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Alternative Pick: Akon “Hurt Somebody”
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J Hood “Good Day Freestyle”
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T-Pain Ft. Ne-Yo “Turn All The Lights On” [Snippet]
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Rock City “Gangsta Love”
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Tony Moxberg Ft. Styles P “I Wanna Rock Ya”
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Sean Kingston “Callin Me Baby”
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Maine PA “Off Da Hook”
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Carl Thomas Ft. Snoop Dogg “Don’t Kiss Me”
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Xzibit Returns to Hip-Hop With A New Attitude, Outlook, and Album
Since the release of his 1996 debut, At the Speed of Life, rapper and actor Xzibit has had his fair share of ups and downs both within the industry and outside of it. In 2012, he says that is all going to change with the release of his seventh studio album, Napalm.
In the five years since his last album, Xzibit, born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, has spread his talents across multiple industries, including film, television, and video games. Right now, he is looking to leave all of that behind to bring the fans what they’ve been waiting for, new music.
AllHipHop.com got the chance to speak to Xzibit about his album before he left the States to embark on a multi-stop tour in Australia. He also shares thoughts on the legacies of Nate Dogg and Heavy D, and whether or not the world will ever get another “Up In Smoke” tour. Read below to find out what he had to say about this and more:
AllHipHop.com: What’s going on, X? Where are you at right now?
Xzibit: I’m over in L.A. right now, bouncing out to Australia next week. I’ve been back from Europe for about three weeks.
AllHipHop.com: What were you doing over in Europe?
Xzibit: Touring for about two months. We did about 38 shows out there; it was pretty crazy. We went from Finland to Russia, man, and it was intense.
AllHipHop.com: That’s awesome. Any standout moments?
Xzibit: Just seeing the fans man. I’m used to traveling a lot, but coming out and having not put out a record since ’07, and to come out over there and have the traction and reaction like that, it was a great experience for me.
AllHipHop.com: Definitely. I heard a few months back that you also traveled to the Middle East to film your music video, and that you were the first artist to do a Hip-Hop show in Baghdad. Tell me about that.
Xzibit: Well I did a song called “Napalm” featuring Travis Barker for the album, that’s the title track for the record, and being that we were going to be able to have this kind of visual and this kind of experience, I figured we might as well put the cart before the house, which is something I usually don’t do. But being that we couldn’t get this experience again, the timing was perfect to go film the video over there.
The rest of the album’s not finished, and I usually don’t like to film videos until a project is done, but being that we had the song and it was so powerful, we went out there and got a lot of great footage with the palaces and some of the bases, just a lot of dramatic footage. We were flying over Baghdad in Nighthawk helicopters, and it’s just a great visual. In the States, I would have had to pay Oliver Stone like $3 million to get this sh*t done, you know what I’m saying?
AllHipHop.com: I can’t wait to see that. Did you get to perform for any of the troops when you were over there?
Xzibit: We performed on one of the bases, actually the only base that had U.S. troops and Iraqi troops on the same base. So we got to perform in front of Iraqi people and U.S. troops, so it was incredible to be able to unite people like that even though it was a very intense setting. It was by no means a regular Hip-Hop show that you’re used to.
AllHipHop.com: Yeah, I can only imagine.
Xzibit: There’s choppers out there, like real ones and people looking at each other, and everybody’s on edge ‘cause it’s a warzone. For the hour or whatever that we rocked for them, we, at least, was able to let them have a reprise from that mindstate and have something to actually relax with for just a moment, so it was good to be out there with them. It was a morale boost, and they were very excited for us to be there.
We got a lot of great footage. We got to ask the troops what their perception of home is, what they think about home, and what the first thing they’re going to do when they get home is, and we got such a great array of answers. It’s a wide range of answers that’s going to shock a lot of people, but also make a lot of people laugh, a lot of people cry. And it’s good to just have that much conscience, to have people come together and put this album out, and put this footage out the way it needs to be put out.
AllHipHop.com: So why is 2012 the right time to put out your new album after your five-year musical hiatus?
Xzibit: Because the music is there. If the music wasn’t there, I wouldn’t even waste your time, and I wouldn’t waste my time. This is about putting out quality music and feeling the moment. I feel like I’m in the hot seat, and I’m ready to put out my best effort, and that’s what it is. That’s why I’m doing it.
AllHipHop.com: Is Napalm the album that was originally going to be called Restless 2?
Xzibit: Exactly, but we revamped it. I actually talked to Dr. Dre about it, and he just gave me the headshake like “nah.” [laughter]. He was just like, “Nah, man, you don’t do something you’ve already done. You need to come with a new, fresh idea,” and that’s exactly what this is.
AllHipHop.com: So what is the significance of the title Napalm?
Xzibit: The significance of it is that it’s one of the tracks that I actually did for the album already, which is the one I filmed the video for in Iraq, so it’s the title track to the album, because that’s the name of the song, and the song was done before I even went out there.
AllHipHop.com: Okay. I know you were also producing some stuff on your last project, so did you get to work on any of the production on this album?
Xzibit: As of right now, I’m leaving the production to the producers. I’m just staying on the vocals right now and working on that and actually putting the songs together and helping from a co-producer stand point and coming up with ideas and add things that I see fit.
AllHipHop.com: Who else contributed to Napalm?
Xzibit: Well, right now, I’d say we’re about 75 percent done, and I think once we get closer to having a complete album then I’ll be able to come out with a complete tracklisting and a set producers list. Right now, it’s hard for me to say ‘cause I’ve got things flying at me, but I’ve got some stuff from the U.K, some stuff from here, some from down South. I got my brothers out here in the West, so be prepared for a great album.
AllHipHop.com: Can the fans possibly expect a Nate Dogg appearance that you were holding on to?
Xzibit: Unfortunately, I don’t have any Nate Dogg vocals today.
AllHipHop.com: Since we’re on the subject, the world lost both Nate Dogg and Heavy D in the past year. Could you speak a little on the influences they’ve had on you and your career?
Xzibit: Yeah, man, when Nate Dogg passed away, we lost a really huge part of what we considered to be the West Coast sound. I also grew up listening to Heavy D. I bought his albums. I definitely can remember memorizing the lyrics to his records and listening to his beats and loving his beat selection and just loving what he was doing. He was definitely one of the greatest.
Losing people is something that is very hard to do, but I have respect for what these brothers created and what they contributed to what we call Hip-Hop. Nate Dogg is definitely going to be missed. Heavy D is definitely going to be missed. These brothers sparked tons and tons of other sounds and other careers, so I’ve got much respect for both of these brothers and, you know, we definitely got a soft spot for Nate Dogg, man, because there will never be another one like him.
AllHipHop.com: You actually got the chance to perform with Nate Dogg a number of times, specifically on what I would imagine is one of the greatest moments of your career, which was being a part of the “Up In Smoke” tour with Dre, Snoop, and Em. What are the chances that you guys will ever get a second “Up In Smoke” tour going?
Xzibit: I don’t know, man [laughter]. There’s bigger pieces to the puzzle that you’ve got to ask that question to, but I’d love to.
AllHipHop.com: What is your relationship like currently with all of those guys?
Xzibit: I mean, I talk to my n*ggas on the daily, you know what I’m saying? My man, Dr. Dre, I can reach out to him. Me and Snoop Dogg see each other. I don’t really see Em as often. I think the last time I saw him was in Detroit at St. Andrews, but it’s all good. I don’t think my relationship with my n*ggas is bad at all, if that’s what you’re getting at.
AllHipHop.com: Not at all, not at all. Some time has passed, and everyone is making their own moves as expected, so it’s just nice to hear that everyone remains in contact and is still holding each other down.
Xzibit: Yeah, it’s definitely all love still.
AllHipHop.com: Lastly, you’ve been very successful making the transition from artist to actor. Do you currently have any new film or television projects in the works?
Xzibit: No, not really, man. Right now, I’m just focusing on the music. I’ll start focusing on film and television again, as soon as I get this album done and out where it needs to be.
AllHipHop.com: Is it safe to say that Napalm is your best work to date?
Xzibit: I mean, I’m happy with the music. I’ll leave the rest for the critics to decide.
AllHipHop.com: Well, we’re looking forward to the album, and I want to wish you success as you prepare to embark on your Australian tour.
Xzibit: Alright, fam, I appreciate that. Thank you.
For more information and updates on Xzibit, visit: www.Xzibit.com
Follow Xzibit on Twitter: @Xzibit
Drake’s New Reps Clarify Management Reports
(AllHipHop News) Drake’s new representatives have issued a reply to recent reports suggesting that the Toronto rapper has split with his management company.
While Drake has parted ways with International Creative Management, (ICM), the rapper is still being represented by United States based company Hip Hop Since 1978, contrary to a report in the New York Post.
The rapper’s original management team remains in place, while William Morris Entertainment will represent and book the rapper across the world.
“WME now represents Drake in all areas worldwide,” a rep told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “Contrary to previous reports, there has been no change with Drake’s management team, and he continues to be managed by Gee Roberson, Al Branch, Kyambo Joshua and Bryant Cortez of Hip Hop Since 1978.”
Eminem & Lil Wayne Perform Live In Melbourne, Australia
Lil’ Boosie and C-Murder Communicating at Angola Prison; M-11 Gives Update on C-Murder
(AllHipHop News) Lil’ Boosie and C-Murder are incarcerated at Angola Prison, and the pair are communicating and supporting one another as they both fight for their freedom.
The long awaited verdict on whether or not C-Murder will be granted a third appeal for allegedly murdering a 16-year-old in x, is only a month away, according Tru Records labelmate M-11.
Boosie was recently sentenced to 8 years for attempting to smuggle drugs into Angola, as he awaits his trial on a 1st degree murder charge.
Angola, which is the largest maximum security prison in the United States, houses over 5,000 inmates and is surrounded on three sides, by the Mississippi River in eastern Louisiana.
The jail is commonly dubbed the “Alcatraz of the South.”
M-11 of Tru Records explained the relationship that the two Louisiana rappers have developed, and how they help keep each other’s spirits up.
While the two have not seen each other directly, they have communicated through messages and have been keeping in touch.
“He told me that they send messages to each other and they send messages to each other,” M-11 of Tru Records told Hip-HopNews24-7.com
Hip-Hop Rumors: Common Explains Who He’s Dissing On “Sweet” – Sorta!
COMMON WE DON’T BELIEVE YOU!
It has been a long time since Common has been in a beef of any significance, but now he has beef. Is he talking…sort of. In this video clip, Mr. Sense speaks on what is going on with him and his recent verbal slaying of some unknown rapper. Well, I will let you know, i firmly believe that it is Drake that he’s referring to. Watch below.
COMMON, YOU NEED MORE PEOPLE!
Admit you are talking about Drake!
Donatella Versace Talks Notorious B.I.G.’s Fashion Influence
After the Versace name was consistently shouted out in rap tracks such as “Big Poppa” and “Hypnotize,” Interview Magazine reveals a conversation between Nicki Minaj and luxurious fashion designer Donatella Versace, which showcases the designer’s feelings for Notorious B.I.G. The late, great Brooklyn rapper was well-known for wearing her family’s clothing, as well as cementing their brand awareness among young, urban consumers.
“I think Biggie was amazing,” Versace said. “He came to my shows in Paris many times, and we’d see each other often. He always used to talk so nicely about my family. I think he was so smart, so intelligent.”
“He had such a mind. So I loved what he was doing and how he was giving people a way to know about Versace—I do think he was giving people a way to know about Versace—I do think a lot of people started to know about Versace because of him.”
Young Jeezy Denies Beef With Rick Ross
(AllHipHop News) While visiting MTV’s RapFix Live to talk about his upcoming fourth solo album, Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition, Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy explained that although there were subliminal and apparent friction between Rick Ross and him, there was never actual beef.
“With rap, it’s a funny thing. You can say things, and people can take ‘em the way they wanna take ‘em,” Jeezy said, addressing “Death B4 Dishonor,” the 2010 cover of Rick Ross’ “B.M.F.” track that is noted for including subliminal jabs towards the Miami rapper.
“But in my mind, in my heart, I just killed the verse. If I killed the verse and you took it personally, then that’s on you.”
Rick Ross also took offense to the video clip that went viral, where there more perceived jabs at the rapper.
“I feel like the whole started thing from a clip on WorldStarHipHop, and my thing was, if I’m a boss and you a boss, let’s sit down and be bosses,” he said.
“You take a clip that somebody edited and run with that? What part of the game is that? If you felt like that, hit me up, let’s chop it up, we bosses.”
After coming into contact with Ross at the BET Hip Hop Awards, Jeezy said he didn’t take the Miami rapper’s decline to exchange words personal.
“I felt like it was about selling records,” Jeezy said. “It’ not about you about me. We could’ve stepped in the corner and chopped it up. So right then and there, I knew it was about records, so I was cool with it.”
Red Cafe’ On “Shakedown,” The Fall of NY Rap & Being a Bad Boy
Red Café is in the midst of an industry “Shakedown,” the title of his forthcoming album to be released around Valentine’s Day 2012. The Guyanese born, New York bred rapper is signed to Bad Boy/Interscope now, after short-lived recording stints under Arista, Capitol, and RCA over the years. Still, in person, he possesses the swagger of a man with a long, successful trail of solo and collaborative hits.
His forthcoming project – which he says has something for both the ladies and the fellas – finds Red Café hoping to bring respect and fan support back heavily to The Big Apple’s scene, where rap began some 30 years ago but had languished until recently. In this video clip, flanked by paintings of the late, great Notorious B.I.G., he discusses having no hesitation with signing to Bad Boy under the sometimes-controversial Diddy, along with what he thinks is essential for putting NYC back on the map:
If you’ve listened to any Urban/Hip-Hop radio station in the past month, there’s a good chance you’ve been hypnotized by Red Café’s ballerific anthem, “Fly Together,” with Rick Ross and the track’s producer, singer/rapper Ryan Leslie. The current single off “Shakedown” is steadily climbing the charts, and it may signify how powerful collaborations are almost always necessary to score a hit these days. Here, Red Café discusses the guest stars on his album, why collabos are killing the game, and what else he’s been up:
Red Café’s “Shakedown” is set for release in February 2012 on Bad Boy Records. Follow him on Twitter at @RedCafe.
Sha Stimuli To Release First Book, “The Toilette Papers”
(AllHipHop News) Brooklyn rapper Sha Stimuli has announced the release of his first book, The Toilette Papers: The #1 Number 2 Book.
The Toilette Papers is described as “a compilation of several of his blogging escapades as well as new and original thought, that has been developed specifically for those toilet trips in which one may need to relax and contemplate life.”
Published by Read Head, the book will be the rapper’s first attempt at becoming a print author.
“Some of us find inner peace and solitude when we’re actually on the commode releasing solids,” expressed Sha in a press release. “It is at these times that the purging of waste should be accompanied by the relief of tension. Whether it’s a short stay or a long visit, good reading material assists the process.”
The Toilette Papers: The #1 Number 2 Book will be available as a limited holiday edition, with only 100 copies being produced.
The book will be available on ShaStimuli.com from December 10-20, or until copies are sold out.
Electronic copies and additional print copies will be available on Amazon, iBook, and other retail outlets on January 1.
Sha’s mixtape, The Calling, will be released January 12 via Coast 2 Coast mixtapes.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Maino To Star On “Love & Hip-Hop”
IS MAINO THE NEXT RAPPER ON LOVE AND HIP-HOP?
I have been instructed to be mostly silent on this full rumor. But I have been told that Maino is going to be the next big Hip-Hop reality star in due time. Remember this?
Well, I have been informed…or is has highly suggested that Maino will be introduced to the show in some form or fashion. Well, as you know, the show has not had a lot of rappers on it, ‘cept Jim Jones. I believe we can assume that Maino will be introduced as the ying to Olivia’s yang.
Stay tuned!
SPEAKING OF LOVE AND HIP-HOP!
I am hearing Somaya Reece is quitting rap and Hip-Hop altogether. Yep. I could be wrong, but rumor has it she is more interested in the Latino market now. There have been a few people that have done that, like Pitbull, and had tremendous success. I wonder if Ms. Reece will too? I didn’t work for Nore so much, but you never know. Will she be doing Love and Salsa next? I don’t know! Sheesh!
Comedian Affion Crockett’s Hilarious Spoof of Drake’s “Headlines” Video
Doing what he does best, comedian Affion Crockett takes a stab at Drake’s “Headlines” video, for pure spoof fun. This isn’t the first time Crockett has taken a funny jab at Drake, as he took on Drake’s mannerisms during the Tim Westwood freestyle spoof.
You can find this video along with others on “The Affion Crockett” app on iTunes, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.