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The Dean’s List: In A Class All Their Own

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta) Updated Category: Breeding Ground
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Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, The Dean’s List members Sonny Shotz, Mik Beats, and DJ Mendoza have been creating a unique sound and style of music since the moment the three got together in a studio. The outcome of their time resulted in their first mixtape, The Drive-In, which was released last year to much acclaim and praise.

Fast forward to 2012 and The Dean’s List are preparing to release their debut album, Generation X, while touring constantly to help expand their fanbase and perfect their crafts. Molding genres to create one uniquely uniform sound is not as easy as it seems, but it’s a task that the producing duo of Mik and Mendoza have almost perfected as they lay the foundation for MC Sonny Shotz to do his thing on the mic.

AllHipHop.com spoke to the trio while they had some downtime from headlining the “Road To SXSW Tour” they’re currently on with fellow Breeding Ground artist Rockie Fresh. The guys talked about their background and influences, the impact that The Drive-In had on their careers, and what they have planned musically in the near future:

AllHipHop.com: How’s it going, guys?

The Dean’s List: Good, man, really good.

AllHipHop.com: So first things first, how did the three of you hook up and ultimately create The Dean’s List?

The Dean’s List: In my [Mendoza’s] senior year of high school, I was playing basketball with Sonny, and then we started doing music together and didn’t really take it to seriously. Then the summer before Berkeley, I met Nick in the dorm rooms and we were just doing a lot of Techno production and having fun with that. And then Sonny came into the picture, and we all started doing music together in the dorms; that led to doing music full-time.

AllHipHop.com: How would you guys personally describe your style and sound?

The Dean’s List: I [Sonny] think it’s just a mix of a bunch of different genres. I’d say it’s like Indie, Rap, Pop, Electro, I don’t know [laughter]. It’s a little bit of everything.

AllHipHop.com: That being the case, I’m curious to hear who you guys are most influenced by when you’re creating music?

The Dean’s List: I [Sonny] always looked up to and really respected Bob Dylan as a musician. I think he’s an awesome songwriter, and I love how he puts stories together. I’m also a big Jay-Z fan and a big fan of The Beatles. Mendoza is a big fan of a lot of classical music. Also Jay-Z and Kanye, I think the way that they connect with their fans beyond music is just amazing and also what their music stands for.

AllHipHop.com: Do each of you guys remember the first Hip-Hop related purchase you made?

The Dean’s List: First Hip-Hop record I [Sonny] bought was Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Actually, no, that’s a lie. It was G-Unit’s Beg For Mercy. I [Mendoza]didn’t listen to a lot of Hip-Hop when I was really young, but I remember really connecting with Kanye’s Graduation. I used to really listen to a lot of other music, and then I started getting into Hip-Hop later on.

AllHipHop.com: I hear you guys. So let’s get into the music that you three create. I want to start with The Drive-In, which you guys put out last year. I believe that it was the project that really elevated you guys at least in terms of having the industry take notice. In your own words though, what do you think The Drive-In did for your careers?

The Dean’s List: I [Mendoza] think it really helped launch us and gave us a really great start. We weren’t touring or anything like that before it came out and after The Drive-In. Even though the numbers at the shows were kind of small, it was really cool for us to be able to go all these different places across the country and have people know our music. That alone was really cool; that was really the breaking point for us.

The Drive-In really established us and helped us as artists. Especially because we were creating music, going to shows and seeing people recite our songs. That was also around the point where we were half in school and half doing all of The Dean’s List stuff, so it was kind of an interesting transition for us.

AllHipHop.com: So let’s fast-forward to your upcoming album, Generation X. This will be the first project you guys release that you all focused 150 perent on as a group. Is that fair to say?

The Dean’s List: Yeah, that’s fair. We definitely had a lot of trouble when we released The Drive-In since we were dealing with school and stuff like that, and we were barely passing classes at a certain point with all of the traveling and stuff like that. Generation X is really the first time we were able to focus completely 150 percent to a project and be committed to it.

AllHipHop.com: What is the difference musically between what you guys were creating when you were juggling school and music and what you have been able to create now? How has the sound evolved?

The Dean’s List: I [Sonny] think it’s just a lot more mature, the stuff coming from us, like the song topics and the things we’re talking about and also the production on Generation X is a lot bigger then The Drive-In. I think, overall, like lyrically and melodically, everything came together really well, and we kind of matured as we were working on it so it’s definitely a step up.

AllHipHop.com: And you guys produce all of your own music, right?

The Dean’s List: Yeah, we produce and write everything. It’s all in-house.

AllHipHop.com: Is that something that’s done collectively between the three of you, or is that more-so Mendoza’s job?

The Dean’s List: It’s Mik and myself [Mendoza] that do the production pretty much. Overall, it’s done as a collective. Mik might start working on something, and then I’ll jump in and work on it and we’ll just finish it up. Sonny will put his two cents in, too, on what he’s feeling or maybe not feeling so every track is touched on collectively by us. It’s a group process, for sure.

AllHipHop.com: What is the significance of the title Generation X to the three of you?

The Dean’s List: It’s basically saying that Generation X is the generation before us, and we are influenced by the people and music that came before us. And it shows through the music we’re making now, that the past is just as important as the future. That’s the message we’re trying to get across with the album.

AllHipHop.com: How far along in the recording process are you guys with the album?

The Dean’s List: We’re finished with it. We’re done with everything.

AllHipHop.com: So when can the fans be expecting to hear Generation X?

The Dean’s List: April 3.

AllHipHop.com: I know you guys had a select few features on the last project. Are there any features on the album?

The Dean’s List: There are 16 tracks on the album plus two bonus tracks. We didn’t really get any rapping features besides this vocalist Danny that was on our last project and Sid Sriram who’s on the single “Youth”. We’re not really too into doing features.

AllHipHop.com: Now, you guys have pretty much been on the road for the past year, and you’re now on the “Road to SXSW Tour” with Rockie Fresh and Casey Veggies popping up on a few dates. What is the experience on this tour like compared to the last one?

The Dean’s List: So far the tour has been going well. We look forward to rocking the stage every night that we have to perform. It’s always a wild time.

AllHipHop.com: If you could either make music or performing, which would you prefer?

The Dean’s List: I’d [Sonny] say the making music part of it, because that’s where you can be the most artistic and it allows you to perform. I [Mendoza] think it’s really cool to perform the music that I created and see the fans and people in the crowd respond to it directly. It’s definitely cool to be able to perform in front of people and get out there and have that one-on-one fan connection.

AllHipHop.com: And seeing as how the tour is called the “Road to SXSW,” I have to ask what your plans are for SXSW? Is there anything special going on?

The Dean’s List: We definitely do have some things coming up at SXSW that are pretty exciting, and we’re definitely looking forward to getting down there to Austin.

AllHipHop.com: Any plans to tour immediately after Generation X drops?

The Dean’s List: Yeah, we have a lot of college dates and a lot other stuff coming up in April that we’re excited about. I can only imagine what it’s going to be like once Generation X drops. There may not be an immediate tour, but we’ll be doing a ton of shows throughout the country.

AllHipHop.com: What do you feel sets you guys apart from everyone else who makes music and is trying to get their star to shine so to speak?

The Dean’s List: We don’t strive to be different or anything; we just strive to make the music that will inspire other people. I’d like to say that we’re the best thing out there and the most different group you’ve heard, but at the end of the day, there’s a million people making music like you said, so it’s really up for the listeners and fans to decide what’s worth listening to. Our fans love us and support us so much, and they also have a great taste in music and that helps us create and be responsible for what we make.

AllHipHop.com: Is there anything else you want the fans or readers to know?

The Dean’s List: Generation X is coming April 3, and we’re going to have a video for the single “Youth” dropping really soon. There’s actually going to be a video for every song on the album, so we’re really striving to bring the visuals to life. It’s going to be a great year for us.

AllHipHop.com: Great guys. I’m looking forward to hearing the album. Thanks for your time.

The Dean’s List: Thank you, man. We definitely appreciate it.

Download The Dean’s Lists’ Mixtape The Drive-In Now!

Follow The Dean’s List On Twitter: (@FollowDeansList)

AllHipHop Spotlight on Marcus Manchild

By: Steve Raze (@SteveRaze) Updated Category: Breeding Ground
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AlHipHop.com follows Marcus Manchild, a rising Hip-Hop star from Houston, TX. This new docu-series shows the trek of a Houston MCs performance at the SOB’s Nightclub in New York City, opening up for 2 Chainz. Marcus Manchild brings some impressive Houston talent to perform with him on stage for his set that established how serious he is in the game. Also, follow Marcus from Dr. Jay’s performing his “Minute to the Top” and watch as he gets at Power 105.1 and MTV.com.

Marcus is a rising star which is why AllHipHop has pointed the Spotlight pointed @MarcusManchild.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Star Magazine Claims Will Smith Is Gay?

By: ginatorres27 Updated Category: Rumors
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Hold UP!

These people won’t let Big Will and Jada live, will they? Well, here is the latest in a long line of divorce gossip surrounding Will and Jada.

http://www.gossipandsoaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/star-magazine-march-19-2012-will-jada-meet-the-man-who-came-between-them.jpg


Now, we aren’t sure of all the contents in this article, but early reports are suggesting Will and his friend and actor Duane Martin are involved in some sort of “bromance.” Well…the mag says the following:

“Will and Duane definitely looked very close,” says a source, who spotted them at Flair restaurant in Trinidad on February 24. And although they were with company, “It was clear Will and Duane both arrived and left together,” the source added.

Tisha Campbell-Martin and Duane have two kids, and he’s repeatedly denied being gay over the years. Furthermore, he’s said that they are tearing two successful Black men down. They were seen vacationing together last month in light of the apparent dissolution of the Smiths marriage.

What do you think?

Brandy & Monica Debut Long-Awaited “It All Belongs To Me” Video

By: @KareemTaylor Updated Category: Alternatives
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One of the most anticipated R&B videos in recent times finds Monica and Brandy reuniting in “It All Belongs To Me”, a spicy video that will likely conjure up some nostalgic feeling from fans.

From wardrobe to the set location, this video gets everything right, providing us with the perfect visual for what we haven’t seen since 1998.

“It All Belongs To Me” will appear on both Brandy and Monica’s new albums this year.

Paul Wall Releases New Mixtape “No Sleep Til Houston”

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Earlier today (March 7), Houston’s own Paul Wall released a new DJ Drama presented free mixtape for the fans entitled No Sleep Til Houston.

The 16-track mixtape boasts appearances from some of the South’s finest lyricists like Bun B, Killa Kyleon, Marcus Manchild, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, Slaine, and many more. Paul Wall’s wife, Crys Wall, also makes an appearance on the track “1st Time You Say No.”

No Sleep Til Houston is one of the first projects from the Houston MC in the past couple of years. Wall was last heard on the independently released Swishahouse project, Politics As Usual, along with his featured verse on Jill Scott’s “So Gone”.

Paul Wall is currently working on sixth solo studio album which will be a follow-up to 2010’s Heart Of A Champion.

Download Paul Wall’s No Sleep Til Houston Now!


Album Review: Tyga’s “Careless World: Rise Of The Last King”

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: Features
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Rating: 8/10

Tyga’s Careless World: Rise Of The Last King is an album that displays the YMCMB rapper’s versatility throughout all 21 tracks. Tyga’s ability to take a more serious approach lyrically on tracks like “Love Game” and “Black Crowns” helps balance an album that includes strip club anthems such as “Rack City” and “Faded”. The album also benefits from fine production contributed by Pharrell, Jess Jackson, David D.A. Doman, and Boi-1da among others, along with features from J. Cole, Big Sean, Nas, and labelmate Lil’ Wayne.

The opening track, “Careless World” introduces the album’s theme with Tyga saying, “I realized I needed to rise and become king of my own destiny.” The beat’s pace switches up halfway through, giving Tyga the opportunity to demonstrate his versatility. He raps on growing up in rough conditions that motivated him to achieve success, “Take a look around, there’s needles on the ground.”

An early standout on the album is the Boi-1da produced “I’m Gone,” featuring Big Sean. Here, Tyga speaks on leaving his old life behind for a new life of fortune and fame. The next track, “For The Fame,” deals with this newly acclaimed fame and fortune, as the rising YMCMB star has to make sure his girl “ain’t in it for the fame.” Chris Brown and Wynter Gordon complement Tyga on the Jess Jackson-produced track.

At the album’s halfway point, a trio of bass-heavy, trunk-rattlers including the popular “Rack City” and the Lil Wayne featured “Faded” give listeners a taste of the less-serious Tyga from mixtapes such as the Well Done series and the more recent #B*tchImTheSh*t.

The rest of the album is filled with memorable tracks, including the Cool & Dre produced “Let It Show,” which features a hot guest verse from J. Cole and is easily one of the best verses on the album. “Love Game” is an emotional song dealing with Tyga’s trying to make it work despite relationship struggles and constant fighting, “I want to make it right, ‘cause that was last night / Baby we gon’ be alright.” In the end, Tyga moves on and becomes “The Last King” without a queen.

Near its close, Tyga and Lil’ Wayne take album listeners back three years to “Lay You Down,” a track that was redone with new verses. The slow pace and guitar and piano filled beat provides an ideal canvas for his upbringing in Compton and dealing with all of the death around him.

Tyga’s first major label studio release is a surprisingly strong effort, and it looks as if he’ll be able to keep the ball rolling for YMCMB after debuting at #4 on Billboard’s Hot 200 Chart and kicking off his “Careless World Tour” last month. Some were concerned that Tyga would be unable to make music deeper than his platinum single “Rack City”, but with the release of Careless World: Rise Of The Last King, it seems that he has done just that.

Cormega Discusses New Album “Mega Philosophy” With Production Legend Large Professor

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Rapper Cormega is collaborating with production legend Large Professor on a new project titled Mega Philosophy.

The Queens, New York-based duo are teaming to release the project, which is produced entirely by the Large Professor and released on Cormega’s Legal Hustle Records imprint.

“I’ve recorded so many tracks with Large Professor; one of the most recent was ‘Journey,'” Cormega told AllHipHop.com in a statement today (March 7).

“Every time I drop a verse on a Large Pro track, the response is always crazy. We have great chemistry! It’s an honor to actually collaborate on a project with him,” Mega said.

The first single from the project is titled “M.A.R.S.,” which features guest appearances from Action Bronson, Roc Marciano and Saigon.

In addition to releasing classic albums as a member of Main Source, Large Professor has crafted tracks for artists like Tribe Called Quest, Slick Rick, Common, Kool G. Rap, and he is credited for discovering Nas.

A release date for Mega Philosophy was not available as of press time.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Ja Rule Gets In Trouble For Prison Interviews

By: ginatorres27 Updated Category: Rumors
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Poor Ja Rule just can’t get a break. After selling a measly 3K copies of his new album, Pain Is Love 2, we hear Ja is now facing disciplinary actions for conducting telephone interviews on his birthday.

Ja called two radio stations on February 29, his 36th birthday, to promote his new album and chat about prison life. Unfortunately, doing any press from behind bars without the warden’s permission is against the rules. Once the other inmates caught wind of the interviews, they ratted Ja out and he was written up for misconduct.

Ja Rule’s publicist is trying to take the heat off of her client and is asking that he not be punished for the interviews, which she claims were a surprise for his birthday. So much for that surprise! No word yet on what Ja Rule’s punishment will be, but I have a feeling this won’t be the last time Ja gets in trouble for speaking to the press.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Game Explains Spitting Debacle

By: ginatorres27 Updated Category: Rumors
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Earlier this week, we reported that rapper Game was caught on video spitting on fans from the VIP section of an Australian nightclub. Well, Game has now released his side of the story, and it sounds like he was provoked into the disgusting act. Check out his comments below:

“This girl and her dude were at the concert, and we had a meet and greet. It was like 100 people, plus we have to get to an after-party, so we [focused on] doing everything on schedule. You shake my hand, I sign one thing from each person and take a picture with each person. So, they wanted to hold up the line, and there’s other people behind ’em, and we got time constraints. They acting crazy, [saying], ‘we paid all this money and we can’t even chill!’ I guess they wanted to chill, go back to the hotel and smoke with a n#### and be my kid’s godfather. So, security had to take them out because they got a little crazy.

“We go to the after-party and here are these same two people. They by the VIP [area], kind of doing the heckling sh*t, and throwing sh*t, throwing Red Bull cans. But ain’t none of it hitting me. The dude starts spitting loogies and drinking s### and spitting it. The s### started getting closer and closer to where we was at. He keeps spittin’ and finally, the f*ckin’ sh*t hit me. So I went over and I f*ckin’ spit.”

That’s still no excuse to spit or attempt to spit on someone! Why not just call security to remove them from the get-go? I don’t know about you, but Game’s explanation sounds like it has a few holes in it.

Tech N9ne Reveals Artwork and Tracklist For New EP “Klusterfuk”

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) After announcing the project last year, Tech N9ne has finally revealed the tracklisting and cover art for his upcoming release, the Klusterfuk EP.

Tech is planning to release the 6-track EP on March 13, exactly 11 days before he embarks on the “Hostile Takeover Tour” with Machine Gun Kelly, Krizz Kaliko, ¡Mayday!, and more.

The “Hostile Takeover Tour” will kick off in the rapper’s native town of Kansas City, Missouri, and continue through the Midwest before hitting a number of cities in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida, and concluding on July 6 at an undisclosed location.

Klusterfuk features appearances from Hip-Hop duo Aqualeo who appear on the track “Ugly Duckling,” as well as artists from Tech’s Strange Music camp including Krizz Kaliko, who appears the tracks “Can’t Stand Me” and “D.K.N.Y.,” and Wreckonize who contributed a verse to the song “Blur.”

Check out a full tracklist and the cover art for Tech N9ne’s Klusterfuk EP below:

  1. Klusterfuk
  2. Blur ft. Wreckonize
  3. Can’t Stand Me ft. Krizz Kaliko
  4. Ugly Duckling ft. Aqualeo
  5. Awkward
  6. D.K.N.Y. ft. Krizz Kaliko

Fans of Tech can pre-order the Klusterfuk EP now at www.StrangeMusicInc.net

Chartwatch: Kid Cudi & Dot Da Genius’ “WZRD” Debuts at #3; Whitney Houston Charts 8 Times in Top 50

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta) Updated Category: News
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(Week Ending On 3/6/12)

Debuting at #3 is Kid Cudi and Dot Da Genius’ WZRD (G.O.O.D./Universal Republic) project that sold just over 70,000 units despite the public outcry from the Cleveland native that his label massively undershipped the album. It appears that although the numbers are nowhere near his previous debuts, Man On the Moon and Man On the Moon II (G.O.O.D./Universal Republic), the fans still showed support for Mr. Solo Dolo despite his label’s misgivings.

Whitney Houston continues to dominate the charts, as fans worldwide look to rediscover the iconic singer’s music through her many albums. After setting a record last week for having three albums in the Top 10, this week, Houston’s music continues to break records with a currect four albums in the Top 10.

Houston’s Greatest Hits (RCA) sold 109,735 units and came in at #2 while her soundtrack to the film The Bodyguard (RCA) sold 44,266 units, landing the soundtrack at the #4 spot. Coming in at #9 and #10 are Whitney Houston (RCA) and I Look To You (RCA). The former sold 25,834 copies while the latter saw a 15 percent sales increase from the week prior, moving just under 25,000 copies. In addition to this feat, the singer has four more albums all charting between the #24 and #36 spots this week.

Young Money rapper Tyga, who debuted at #4 last week, dropped three spots to #7, selling 35,268 copies of his album, Careless World: Rise Of The Last King (YM/Cash Money/Universal Republic).

Drake and Rihanna claimed the #11 and #12 spots with their respective albums, Take Care (YM/Cash Money/Universal Republic) and Talk That Talk (Def Jam). The former sold 23,719 units and saw an 8 percent sales decrease, while the latter sold just over 20,000 units and saw an 11 percent sales decrease.

Coming in one spot lower than last week at #26 is Young Jeezy’s fourth offering TM103 (Def Jam), which sold approximately 15,000 units. The rapper’s Gold-certified TM103 has experienced healthy sales since its release; Young Jeezy is currently on the road with his Hustlerz Ambition tour, which has been selling out at venues nationwide.

Singer Estelle’s new album All Of Me (Atlantic) debuted at #29 after selling 13,676 copies in its first week of release. Albums from both The Throne and Lil Wayne continue to sell after charting at #39 and #42 respectively this week.

Rounding out the Top 50 is Chiddy Bang who’s debut album Breakfast (I.R.S./Virgin) saw a 67 percent sales decrease from the week prior, where it debuted at #9 and sold about 31,000 copies. This week, the duo sold 10,125 units. Albums from both Maino, who released The Day After Tomorrow (Atlantic) and Ja Rule failed to chart in the Top 50 this week, despite mostly positive reviews.

Dropping This Week (3/6/12):

No notable Hip-Hop releases this week.

Dropping Next Week (3/13/12):

No notable Hip-Hop releases next week.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Beyonce Spends $300K a Month on Basic Living Expenses?

By: ginatorres27 Updated Category: Rumors
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One of Beyonce’s old accountants is blabbing about her spending habits and claiming that the singer shells out over $300K per month just for basic living expenses. Talk about lifestyles of the rich and famous! Check out the list of Bey’s monthly expenses that was leaked below:

Jet fuel/rental- $75,000 a month
Tribeca NYC apt- $30,000 a month
Publicist Yvette-$10,000 a month
Bodyguard Julius-$8,000 a month (more overseas)
Makeup Artist oncall $2500 a month
Live in Chef $ 7500 a month
Live in maid $ 4000 a month
Personal Accountant 4000 month
Dereon Accountant 3000 a month
Manager (matthew) $!!!100,000 a month!!!
Personal asst Angela $5000 a month
Personal Trainer: $7000 a month
Dietician: Max $4000/month upon diet change
Car detailing and driver: $7000 a month
Pocket cash on hand $50,000 a month (she spent it all EVERY MONTH)

That all comes to a whopping $317,000 in monthly expenses! But my eagle eye does see a few things on there that she no longer carries…like her father is no longer her manager, she manages herself now, and she recently sold that Tribeca apartment. So that brings her expenses down to about $187,000 per month, which is still an exuberant amount of money.

Well, I guess Beyonce is recession proof!

Jay-Z to Stream His Concert Live from SXSW in Austin, Texas

By: seandrasims Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Rap icon and entrepreneur Jay-Z is set to offer fans across the globe a glimpse at his highly sought-after appearance at the South By Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival in Austin, Texas next week.

On Monday, March 12 at 8:00PM EST, Jay-Z will partner with American Express to offer a live-stream his show via the Internet. Fans can interact with Jay-Z during the show by using the Twitter hashtags #JayZSyncShow and #Song to cast their votes for which songs he should perform.

The 2012 appearance marks an encore for Jay-Z at SXSW. Last year, he made a surprise appearance with fellow Throne-mate Kanye West. This year’s concert has had rumors swirling recently, but was confirmed by the American Express show announcement.

Jay-Z’s SXSW concert will be offered on repeat on American Express YouTube channel from March 13-19. For more info on SXSW 2012’s massive lineup, visit www.sxsw.com.