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Lost Boyz Working On New LP; Land Endorsement Deal With Eyewear Co.

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

(AllHipHop News) South Jamaica, Queens Hip-Hop group the Lost Boyz have added two new group members to the lineup and are gearing up for a new studio album. The group has added members Dramatic Da DJ and Black Smoke to the group, which includes Mr. Cheeks and Pretty Lou. Another member, Freaky Tah, was gunned down in the streets of Queens in 1999, at the age of 27.  In addition to releasing new material this year, the group will be featured in Forever K. Michael Collection’s new advertising campaign, “From Day, Till Dark.”The Lost Boyz will be featured in print, television and online advertisements for the latest collection of Forever K. Michael eyewear, which pays tribute to artists who inspired the company’s founder, Khristian Michael. “We’re happy to be a part of the Forever K. Michael [artist] campaign. Inking an endorsement deal with Khristian Michael was a no-brainer because his designer eyewear is crisp, classic, and universal–just like our music,” said the Lost Boyz about the new venture.“The Lost Boyz remind me of a timeless entity, when something isn’t trendy, it never goes out of style,” added Khristian Michael. “Their sound and energy has continued to resonate in their fans over a decade, and that’s what I’m looking to achieve with the new campaign—as well as the entire collection.”In addition to the new album and endorsement deal, The Lost Boyz are fearing up for a tour of the United States.

Supply Births Demand: Ask Raekwon and E-40

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

Editor’s note: The

views expressed inside this editorial aren’t necessarily the views of

AllHipHop.com or its employees.“Not all of the rappers, but most of ‘em sound alike,

I’ve been rappin since most of them knew how to ride a bike.”

– ‘Ahhh Sh*t!,’ E-40

Two new albums – Wu Massacre by Method Man, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah and Revenue Retrievin: Night Shift/ Day Shift, a double album by E-40 – reminded me of a subject I’ve been meaning to return to since I first mentioned it in ‘How To Market (and Protect) Jay Electronica (Part I)’ when I wrote:

“The reaction to Jay Electronica is a phenomenon in and of itself. That means two things: he represents an idea whose time has come and he represents the longing of people for change (as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad stated it in Message To The Blackman, ‘As we know, wherever there is a longing or demand for a change, nature will produce that man, who will bring it about.’. There is an important difference between longing for something and demanding it and it has everything to do with whether or not Jay Electronica will be a mainstream commercial success (which is even the hope of the underground and international community). As an economist and student of mathematical theology I could go very deep into the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s words and how they relate to the economic law of how supply produces its own demand”.

Today, I’ll try to take a first step toward that.

When listening to Wu Massacre, I was reminded of what I appreciate about all three of these Brothers – on a personal and professional level (I mention a couple of qualities about all three in my book).

Chef is one of the most underrated rappers in history. He gets credit mainly for being a master of slang and specializing in certain subject matter – street episodes and drug raps. But for years I’ve recognized something about Raekwon that it seems no one else is willing to give him credit for. He has as unique and sophisticated a flow as anyone in the history of the game. How can you tell? While there are countless artists who have virtually imitated the flow of every style imaginable – from Jay-Z to Ludacris to Rick Ross to Eminem to Lil’ Wayne to 50 Cent etc, there is no one who even comes remotely close to replicating Raekwon’s delivery and flow. It’s one of the reasons why Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 was so well received, 14 years after the original masterpiece.

Raekwon is probably the very best rapper I’ve heard at moving in and out of 1) 3rd person narrative (where he’s describing something he’s watching as a witness or observer, including actual dialogue) 2) 1st person description (where he’s telling you the details of what he’s doing) and 3) inner thinking (where he’s letting you know what his private thoughts are).

It is absolutely amazing when you carefully listen to what he’s doing and I’ve never spoken to anyone – even high-level industry producers who could explain it before I mention it (yet it seems everyone can ‘feel’ he’s doing something very special with his lyrics). He gives you dialogue, subconscious mind, and observations in real time without breaks, and in three dimensions (your viewpoint, his viewpoint, and the circumstance without comment).

Sometimes I just laugh when people complain about not understanding Raekwon’s lyrics blaming it on the slang he innovates. They don’t understand what he’s saying because they don’t understand how he’s saying it. He’s speaking on three levels at once. Focusing on just his word play is an insult to his genius.

[Slick Rick fans, no need to debate – he and Scarface are the best pure story-tellers ever, but Chef gets his own category – doing a couple of things that not even the Ruler got around to. I don’t know anyone who can do what Rae does on ‘Surgical Gloves,’ for example. Listen to it carefully]

Because of this, not to mention his voice, humble public demeanor and rare media appearances, you can see that he will always have a core base to sell music to (beyond Wu fans). He’s different and that’s the basis for an enduring business and career – producing a unique product for a loyal network, that others can’t steal.

“Be original, your s— is sloppy

Get off the —- you m—– f—– carbon copy““Real N****z” -N.W.A. 

Some can’t believe that E-40 is still doing it – 15 years in – but they just don’t understand this law of supply and demand. The result: he never loses old fans, while always attracting a younger segment of new ones. The formula that he supplies (lifestyle, personality, and ‘fun.’) remains unique and durable – beats that bounce, witty lyrics, sense of humor and the ability to select the right people to feature on collaborations. Collabos are truly an art that most artists use as a superficial promotional gimmick but not the man who is one of the Bay Area’s finest. Check “Whip It Up” featuring Gucci Mane and YV; “Can’t Stop The Boss” featuring Too Short, Snoop Dogg & Jazze Pha; “Knock ‘Em Down Music” featuring Ya Boy, Turf Talk & Cousin Fik; and “Power Up” featuring Keak Da Sneak & San Quinn.

His collaboration with Bobby V on “Stillettos & Jeans” makes so much commercial and stylistic sense – especially in the current era of R&B music that $uce$$ is only a matter of whether a critical mass of radio program directors get behind the record and a hot video can close the sale with the powers that B.E.T. Regardless – he delivered what they seem to want these days.

The New York Times nailed it when it said of E-40’s new double album, “One of hip-hop’s great rhythmic innovators, E-40 has spent more than 20 years defying conventional cadences, rapping in croaks and hiccups and slurs and nibbles. At times he’s been at the forefront of Bay Area rap, and at times more of a benevolent uncle. On this pair of albums (packaged and sold separately), his 11th and 12th full-length recordings, he’s both.”

When one considers his role in the Hyphy Movement (for better or worse) and his continued presence and relevance, it is obvious that E-40 supplies music, image, and lifestyle not just because hewants to, but because he knows how to read what the people want.

And there’s a big difference.

When I advise clients, one of the first things I describe and help them be clear on is that there can be an important difference in the creative force that drives entrepreneurs, artists, and inventors to innovate and the force that drives consumers, fans, and followers to purchase, support and rally behind their product or service. The sad fact is that most artists make music for themselves and their immediate crew. They are driven by ambition, circumstance and the desire for self-expression more than they are interested in being scientific about learning what it is about their work that people like, and then determining how to market themselves accordingly, without compromising who they are.

The emergence of a hot artist, commercially successful style or new trend can seem “random” because the vast majority of us can’t predict when a person will reach the point when they want to ‘create,’ for the benefit of the public or when people will like something or why. But the illusion of surprise disappears when we look at the matter from a supply and demand point of view. Most artists have a horrible time balancing their need to supply something that they want with answering the question of what the people demand in the present tense and what they want now and in the future which no one is currently supplying.

Stubborn artists fall into either 1) a take it or leave it attitude (eff’anybody who ain’t feeling me!’) or 2) conformity (‘I’ll act like I’m original but really Jeezy is the father of my style…’).

If more artists would trust their instincts while studying the unique aspects to their style that people like – and which no one else is offering commercially – they can build something special and long-lasting.

This means the usually self-centered artists have to fall back a bit and learn from their audience – accepting that the ‘demand’ for some things can only manifest after it is supplied. You can’t be sure that you ‘have something,’ in many cases, until you offer it in the marketplace and study the reaction.

Evan Schwartz put it well when he wrote in, Juice: The Creative Fuel That Drives World Class Inventors:

The most common explanation of what drives inventive activity is the age-old maxim, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” But that…explains almost nothing and is wrong in most instances. Because new scientific discoveries or technological possibilities often give rise to new desires, it’s usually even more correct to say the opposite: “Invention is the mother of necessity.” Although successful inventions seem in retrospect to fill a clear human need, what they really do is to generate the demand in the first place. Only a handful of people imagined the telephone, the electric light, and the airplane beforehand. After these things existed, however, masses of people suddenly couldn’t do without them.

“Let me tell these n——s something God. I don’t want n——s soundin’ like me on no album!”

“Shark N****s,” Ghostface Killah (on album skit for Only Built 4 Cuban Linx)

The emphasis on originality in rap music died largely because the major record labels, radio stations, and video outlets took the power to define what ‘the people’ wanted and because artists accepted the definition – wanting the easy route to these platforms. This is also the state of affairs because artists typically surround themselves with “yes men” and “yes women” – lacking advisers who understand marketing and how to make business decisions (the big dude serving as security/manager/personal assistant doesn’t qualify).

Now, with the rise of the Internet, affordable audio and video production equipment, and social networking, the ‘industry’ is out of the hands of a small list of companies and risk-taking for artists can become more rewarding than ever, with the right team.

It just boils down to knowing what people are longing for, converting it into demand and delivering it consistently.

Take the lesson of Raekwon and E-40 and run with it – creatively and commercially. Understanding what you are doing and how it affects others is the root of longevity. This is also called the Knowledge of Self and Others.

Supply really can create its own demand.

Cedric Muhammad is a business consultant, political strategist, and monetary economist. He is also a former GM of Wu-Tang Management and a Member of the African Union’s First Congress of African Economists. Cedric is author of the book, ‘The Entrepreneurial Secret’ (http://theEsecret.com/). He can be contacted via e-mail at: cedric(at)cmcap.com

Tamela Mann: Singer, Songwriter & Actress

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Alternatives

Tamela Mann is one of the most-recognizable names in the contemporary Gospel music industry. Her tremendous success story and long string of accolades are even more impressive, however, when one considers the difficulty religious figures often have in attracting and maintaining secular audiences.  Even so, Mann has captivated the hearts and minds of countless Americans for more than a decade—juggling time between her music ministry, as a solo artist and former member of Kirk Franklin and the Family, as well as her acting and singing performances in several Tyler Perry productions, which include stage plays, feature films and recurring roles on TBS’ House of Payne and Meet the Browns.

At the same time Meet the Browns became the #1-rated show in African-American households, Tamela Mann was hard at work on crafting her sophomore solo project, The Master Plan.  Released via Tilly Mann on November 3, 2009, the album showcases four songs that she co-wrote: “I Trust in You,” “Here I Am,” “Anything for You,” and “In Him.”  In addition, Tamela has an executive producer credit alongside her husband of 21 years, David Mann.

 In support of the Master Plan’s release, Tamela Mann managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry—reflecting on the generational divide in Gospel music, “The Lord’s Prayer,” and the lasting influences of Kirk Franklin, Tyler Perry and a host of others.

 AllHipHop.com:  I still get goose-bumps whenever I think about the time I saw you perform “You Deserve My Praise” during John P. Kee’s benefit concert a few years back. Even though I was a fan of the studio recording, Lord knows that the Spirit nearly knocked me off of my feet during your live set.  What’s the back-story behind that particular song?  Did Demarcus Williams approach you with the song?

 Tamela Mann:  Oh, Demarcus is such a wonderful talent.  With that song, I asked Demarcus if he had anything, and so he submitted that song and another song. When I first heard it, it was just a little rough draft with the music, so you can remember what it is—the lyrics and the harmonies. My husband, [David Mann], and the album producer – Myron Butler – heard it, and they were like, “I don’t know.” But I was like, “Y’all! You have to hear beyond what’s here right now.” And it has really become one of my favorite songs. I just fell in love with it and I asked Demarcus if I could tweak it and make a few little changes. And he was like, “Sure. Sure.” It’s really one of my favorite songs, because the lyrics really taught me that God deserves the praise, you know? No matter what. He protects us, in all things, from dangers seen and unseen, and He keeps us, in the midst of the good and the bad, even when we want to just do whatever we want to do and think it’s right. For God, you know, He still covers us in so many different areas: of where our parents, our grandparents, pray for you and even just other people just praying for you and you’re not even knowing it, how God still gets the praise. He deserves the praise, and we should give it to Him because of who He is. And that’s just kind of how that song came about.

 AllHipHop.com:  Your mother served as a psalmist in church. Growing up and seeing her perform, in what ways did she knowingly or unknowingly encourage you to pursue your love for music?

 Tamela Mann:  By her pushing me, unknowingly, I guess. You know, you kind of fight it when you’re young. It’s like, “Why do I have to go to church all the time?” [laughing][laughing] When I saw her in the choir and leading songs, it was just such an encouragement. I really didn’t see it then, but I thank God for it now.  At the time, I didn’t see it as an influence. I was thinking: “Wow, she making me go and she’s not making anybody else go.” But it turned out that that’s really how I fell in love and saw that singing was my passion. But I think by her encouraging me — well, it wasn’t encouragement. It was like, “You just gotta go. You gotta go.”

 AllHipHop.com:  You closed this particular album, [The Master Plan], with “The Lord’s Prayer.” Since it’s a very traditional song, is there a reason you wanted to close with that particular song?                                               

Tamela Mann:  Well, with David being one of the producers of the project, he really wanted it. I had done it at a lot of weddings and other little gatherings, and he thought I should do it over.  He felt like it would be the perfect closer for the project and a good prayer for the people of God. Thankfully, it wound up being a blessing for so many people.

AllHipHop.com:  Although you consider yourself a traditional gospel singer, you’re also open to incorporating a lot of contemporary elements as well. Going back to your son and you being a mother, as well a gospel singer within the modern music industry, how challenging is it to reach out to younger audiences? Have the two of you ever debated the best possible way to reach his generation?

Tamela Mann:  Well right now, we must try to reach the youth.  There are a lot things people in my age don’t see and sometimes we don’t seem to be on the same page as the youth, but we must always be encouraging. When our kids were growing up, David and I always wanted to hear their opinion and gave them an open door to where they could come and talk to us about anything, to hear their opinion, to hear them out. And I just want them to hear me out. So I carry this into my music, where I will do something that will reach both generations—the older crowd as well as the youth—and let them know that there is still a message for them in song and in gospel music. We can’t do this thing alone, really, because it’s all about the ministry at the end of the day. You can’t go out there and just take the world on by yourself. There is a higher power that you need, beyond just yourself, to get through these things. Even when people turn their backs on you, there is something that you can rely upon, a higher power that you can call upon. And that’s the message that I’m really trying to send, especially to the youth, that they can still be in the world but not of the world.

AllHipHop.com:  When people think of leaders within the ministry, they often think about the pastor first. The music ministry, however, has the ability to reach those who might not even step inside the foot of a church. When I look at your career, one of your greatest accomplishments, in my opinion, is that fact that you have had several of your gospel songs featured on mainstream movie soundtracks.  With Tyler Perry’s assistance, I really applaud you for bring gospel to the mainstream. How difficult has this journey been for you?

Tamela Mann:  Sometimes it is hard, because everybody doesn’t want to hear this part of the good news. One thing I have learnt about myself is that I can only do what I do. And that’s one thing I appreciate about Tyler.  He didn’t try to change me and make me into something that I was not. He has never said, “Well, you’re too deep or you’re too churchy,” or that kind of thing. It was like this is what I brought to the table, and he respected me and brought so many other people into the fold, from all different angles, to give people a taste of the whole pie, just not one piece. I just think it’s great. But the journey still isn’t easy.  Even with this project, we reached out to certain outlets and the said, “We don’t do gospel anymore. Or we don’t have gospel artists on any more.” So it’s like, you have to get in where you fit in, when the door opens. I can’t try to preach it all the time, but I just have to live it. Hopefully, in my life, people can see that there is a difference, and that there is a change in me, and that there is something different about this lady. Styles and sounds change. But even though you listen to different genres of music, you still need this. This still needs to be a piece of your pie. There’s something about gospel music that makes you feel whole. It gives you hope. It’s not all booty shakin’ music… [laughing] Gospel music p##### the heart and makes you realize there is a different road, a different choice that can always be made. That’s what it’s all about.

AllHipHop.com:  Over the years, you have collaborated with Myron Butler a great deal. What aspect of your professional relationship do you love the most?

Tamela Mann:  Myron, he is younger than David and I.  But he is so well-rounded. He’s able to give me the opinions of the youth, of the younger adults, because he is like thirty something. So it’s like I can get the pulse of people in their early twenties and the mid-thirties. And then I’m forty. So we bounce ideas off of each other. On top of all that, Myron just has such a good ear. Lord knows he was anointed to do music.  Just listen to his vocal arrangements! [laughing] He’s gifted to do that. I just believe in him so much that I’m pushing him to get where he’s trying to go, just as he is pushing me to get where I’m trying to go. It’s a beautiful thing and he is very helpful, which is the main reason I use him a lot. I just feel really comfortable with him in the studio. Everybody does things differently, but I’m very comfortable with him.

AllHipHop.com:  As you mentioned, you are blessed to have the ear of the youth, as well as the older generation. Do you ever wonder why God blessed you to be such a wonderful mediator within the gospel music world?                                          

Tamela Mann:  Yes, Lord! [laughing] I’m still in awe. Even with this project, I can’t help but give praise back to my Creator. He is the author and finisher of our faith, and I want people to know that. I’m the youngest of fourteen, and out of all my mom’s kids, I’m the only one that finished high school. We’re not even talking college. It’s just high school. And for God to choose me among all these people growing up and give me such a divine purpose in life, it’s just amazing. I feel like this other friend of mine is more talented than I am. But God saw fit to just use me for such a time as this, to reach so many people, because we’re reaching them differently.  Earlier, you said that when people think of ministry, they think of pastors. But we’re all ministers, because we all have a purpose. We have a calling to do things. Now, I couldn’t say that I could go lead 2,000 or whatever amount of people, but to just be able to reach one soul, to be able to reach one person, to encourage one person that they can make it – I just know that God has put that mantle on my life to be an encourager to so many people.

AllHipHop.com:  In the past decade, you have accomplished so much, and your life story is truly an inspiration.  I know that you got your professional start in the gospel arena with Kirk Franklin & the Family. So when you start there and look at all the years in-between, what do you think best prepared you for managing a career as a singer and an actor?

Tamela Mann:  Oh, wow!  That’s a deep question. To be honest, I can’t pinpoint one thing. I learned some great things from Kirk Franklin, even just the basics, with going out and standing before the people. During those years, I learned that everybody doesn’t worship the same way.  You would think that when people pay their hard-earned money and buy a ticket to come to your concert, they want you to get into it, on your feet and jumpin’ all around. But as I traveled to different cities and countries, I learned that some people could be completely into the music and simply sit in their seat and wave their hands.  I learned that from Kirk Franklin. With Tyler Perry, I learned how to address people. And even working with my own husband – at all times, people are lookin’ at you and you have to make sure that you’re doing things the right way. You never want to offend anybody. It’s just all a part of the journey that I’ve had. Even with my mom, you know – you treat people like you want to be treated. So many different people have touched my life, and helped me become the woman that I am: the mother, the wife, the minister of music.

AllHipHop.com:  I’m not sure if you consider yourself an expert on relationships… [laughing] …but considering the marriage statistics within the African-American population, you and your husband are really a shining example. What advice and words of encouragement do you have to people who are currently in a relationship and, perhaps, experiencing a rocky patch?

Tamela Mann:  Well, the first thing is, you have to keep the love there. You have to keep your love alive. Sometimes we get so caught up in our lives. One thing about me and David, we include each other in everything. There’s no division of “this is yours, this is mine.” Everything we do, everything we have accomplished, has been together. First and foremost, we are truly in love with each other. We value each other’s opinion. We don’t try to cut each other out of whatever we’re doing. There is a learning process. This April we’ll be married twenty-two years.

AllHipHop.com:  Congratulations!

Tamela Mann:  Yes, it’s great! And without any separations either! [laughing] So we learned how to work through storms, and we’ve learned to agree to disagree. One thing that I always try to share – when I get an opportunity like this – is that I always pray that God keeps my love burning for and yearning only for David Mann. And I call his name out in that prayer.  I don’t want my eyes seek or yield or go any other direction but just on him. That is my prayer: to keep my fire burning for him. When you reach a certain point, you do go your day in and day out, and things can get like, “Okay, it’s the norm. We just go out to eat. We go to the movies.” But we try to do things differently. Maybe we may do a movie here at the house and have something nice, even if it’s making sandwiches. You have to keep that excitement in your relationship. And to be perfectly honest, if you quit and if you give up on it, then you’re going to have to start all over with somebody else. And it will be a non-ending cycle. But when we said our vows, we meant our vows. You can’t just be saying something to just say, “I’m getting married,” and plan a big wedding, and six months later, you’re calling it quits. It has to get beyond that. Marriage is ordained by God. It’s something that He blessed. Before I got married, it was the hardest struggle. Sir, you just don’t know. I was having it so hard. But once I got married, and I did it the right way, the struggles just became so much easier to handle. But that’s it. Just keep the love and pray and desire that you will always keep the candle of love burning.

For more information on Tamela Mann, visit her official website: http://www.davidandtamelamann.com/

TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: Kurupt

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / Music

TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: KuruptDoes life imitate art? Yes, just look at a lot of today’s Rap music! Insistently wishing to uphold the status quo, many Geppetto-like CEOs continue to sign crudely replicated Pinocchio rappers. Fantasy can be fun, but it is time to step away from all these fairy tale artists. Kurupt’s impending effort, Streetlights should illuminate what it means to be an actual MC when it drops on April 20. Kurupt’s authenticity and lyricism exemplifies what an MC is, and  also determines which MCs he lists on his Top 5 Dead Or Alive.

He explains, “What is an MC—a microphone controller, you understand me—a Master of Ceremony; it’s different than a guy who sells millions and millions of records. That doesn’t make them an MC that makes them a great artist! You got to understand that an MC isn’t the same thing as being a rapper, or being an artist. It’s a whole different ballgame. That’s why you see a lot of East coasters mentioned in my Top 5 MCs, because they created this whole art form we call emceeing. Being an MC is a kind of privilege! We don’t call them rappers, you call them MCs; because, they’re [the] Master of Ceremony. They rock the party, their rhymes are ridiculous…When I’m picking my Top 5 Dead Or Alive, it’s a hard list to get on, because you just got to be a certain caliber of rapper…”

Without further ado, Kurupt’s Top 5 Dead or Alive.                       

RAKIM

 

Kurupt: At the top of the chart, it’s always the, R—Rakim. His pen game never ceases to amaze me [when] he comes to the mic. Rakim is the blueprint of what an MC is. Whenever you think of an MC, if you need an example, think of Rakim. Everything about Rakim [constitutes] what is an MC. An MC is about being fly, being an MC is about the wordplay, the way that you deliver it, which is your style [and] how you connect your words when you’re rhyming; that’s all about being an MC, you know, all about your style and how articulate you are. Rakim is at the top of the chart on that. That’s where he musically invented this s***. So, that’s why Rakim has always been that to me.

AllHipHop.com: Have you had the opportunity to work with him yet?

Kurupt: I’ve never had the opportunity to work with him. I met him a couple of times; that really made my day. Me and the R definitely have to make that happen, us on the mic together. That would be incredible!

KRS-ONE

I would definitely have to choose KRS One. KRS One always set an example of skills on the mic. And uh, he’s definitely a part of the blueprint of what an MC is, as well. I like to pattern a lot of my rhymes to the R’s—Rakim’s and KRS One’s.

AllHipHop.com: Do you have a favorite verse or a favorite album by G Rap that you think folks should study?

KOOL G RAP

 

Kurupt: I like the album Road To The Riches there’s a song on there called “Men At Work.” It’s ridiculous; his microphone game is ridiculous on that record. Kool G Rap is also a different kind of MC. He had a different style. That’s also one of the main things about being an MC is originality. It’s about coming up with your own style, and concepts, and rhymes, period.

You didn’t steal nobody’s style, back in the day they called that biting. There’s a lot of biting out there nowadays. It’s a different caliber of rappers out there nowadays. You know, I think that the creative part has taken a back seat to the fun of it, you know what I mean. Now it’s more about the fun. Back then it was more about critiquing your style, and it was more about the mic. It’s all good; because, it’s all in the love of Hip-Hop.

AllHipHop.com: Getting back to your Top 5, the last MC you named was Kool G Rap, who would be your last two?

THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.

 

Kurupt: I would definitely go with Biggie for my fourth one. Biggie just had a certain style about himself. His wordplay was ridiculous. That’s one of the newer generation MCs, definitely. The older generation, those three right there  [Rakim, KRS One, and Kool G Rap] always set up a base for the newer generation—which a lot of people consider older—but the ‘90’s of  MCs I’d definitely go with Biggie.

AllHipHop.com: I have a real screwed up face right now with you naming Biggie. All during the West Coast / East Coast beef you still respected him as an MC?

Kurupt: Of course, the whole problem had nothing to do with his skills.

AllHipHop.com: Wow! Now, rounding out your Top 5 who else would you put on there?

THE D.O.C.

Kurupt: My fifth MC, I’d go definitely with the D.O.C. It’s the same as all the rest of him, his skills—how he was on his mic. I think he definitely deserves a little more recognition. You know, I don’t think that people really listen to the D.O.C.’s lyrics. The boy is vicious. I had the opportunity to actually see him work when he was writing rhymes for Dr. Dre when we was doing The Chronic and all those different rhymes he wrote for Dr. Dre. Just to see him move; he had style; it was all about his style. He wouldn’t do the average way of rapping; he would do so much more. He would think of different [and] creative ways to say simple s###. So, I definitely think that he can get more recognition, definitely.

The Sidebar

“So, I stare at the grade—the blueprint—of what an MC is when I’m judging MCs. So, I can’t go to the nowadays before I mention the people who created the blueprint. They still got the skills today, freestyling, and rhyming. Rakim didn’t really freestyle, you know, that’s just another craft—another part—of how high an MCs skills can go. Kris is a freestyler, you know what I mean. G Rap, I really ain’t heard him freestyle. There’s also others who can go on the list.

 Big Daddy Kane was vicious; that’s an MC! Regardless, of how he changed his style later. His blueprint overshadows any other way he rhymes nowadays. That’s why Biggie comes in at four, and the D.O.C. definitely comes in at five. You know and to tell you the truth, there’s no particular order, it doesn’t go Rakim first—this one that one this one that—it’s all five of them, like gumbo, mixed up in one. There isn’t one of them that I like better than the other ones when it comes to this list of MCs. You know, if we go with the Top 5, we gotta go with the top five MCs in the game that ever came into this sport. That’s definitely Rakim, Kool G Rap, KRS One, that’s definitely Biggie Smalls and The D.O.C. I can go on and on.

I consider Ice Cube an MC. He’s a different caliber of an MC. With Cube, what he brings to the table—if you listen to “The N#### You Love To Hate,” and Amerikkka’s Most Wanted—even when he was with N.W.A. he was very articulate on the mic. He wasn’t just rapping. It’s just that he had subject matter, and everybody else their style was different.

There’s a lot of good rappers, and there are younger people who are great MCs as well; like Cassidy. I like Drake; I think Drake is a great MC. You can tell that he’s not just a rapper he’s articulate—he uses his words—the way he connects his rhymes. You know, the list goes on and on and on, and every day there’s a new MC created.”

– Kurupt

 

Nicki Minaj Tapped For Rihanna’s ‘Last Girl On Earth’ Tour

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Rapper Nicki Minaj will head out on the road as an opening act for Rihanna’s 2010 Last Girl On Earth tour of North America. The 25-date tour begins July 2nd at the White River Amphitheater in Seattle, Washington and ends August 25th at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The tour will be a “visual spectacle on a scale unlike anything she has accomplished in her already legendary career,” a representative for Rihanna said in a press release today (April 5th).At press time, Rihanna, who was discovered by Jay-Z, is the only female artist in the past decade to have six #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. “We’ve never done a tour to this capacity.  The production is unbelievable and the costumes, we just took it to a whole new level,” Rihanna said in a recent interview. “Visually and sonically it’s going to be a big step up from the last time. We just keep growing and this time it is a massive production that I cannot wait for.”The news comes as Rihanna begins her sold out tour of Europe, which starts on April 16th in Antwerp, Belgium, to promote her album Rated R. Rihanna’s tour dates are listed below: Jul 02SeattleWhite River AmphitheatreJul 04VancouverGeneral Motors PlaceJul 06CalgaryPengrowth SaddeldomeJul 09SacramentoARCO ArenaJul 10Mountain ViewShoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain ViewJul 14AlbuquerqueHard Rock Casino Albuquerque presents The PavilionJul 15DenverComfort Dental AmphitheatreJul 17Las VegasMandalay Bay Events CenterJul 21Los AngelesStaples CenterJul 22PhoenixCricket Wireless PavilionJul 28AtlantaPhilips ArenaJul 30TampaFord AmphitheatreJul 31MiamiAmerican Airlines CenterAug 03IndianapolisVerizon Wireless Music Center IndianapolisAug 05TorontoMolson Canadian AmphitheatreAug 07MontrealBell CentreAug 08BostonComcast CenterAug 11UncasvilleMohegan Sun ArenaAug 12New YorkMadison Square Garden  Aug 15WantaghNikon at Jones Beach TheaterAug 18CamdenSusquehanna Bank CenterAug 20BristowJiffy Lube LiveAug 21HersheyHersheypark Stadium  Aug 22DetroitDTE Energy Music TheatreAug 25ChicagoUnited Center

Bounty Killer Busted For Assaulting Girlfriend; Jamaican Artists’ Visas Revoked

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

(AllHipHop News) Popular Jamaican dancehall artist Bounty Killer was arrested today (April 5th) at his home on the island, for allegedly attacking his girlfriend. According to reports, Bounty Killer, born Rodney Price, was taken into custody by the St. Andrew North Police for the attack, which allegedly occurred when he attempted to end their three-year relationship. When Bounty Killer was taken into custody, police claim he used his only telephone call to reach the woman and threaten her life, while officers were present. A judge refused to grant the singer bail and he will remained jailed until his court date on Wednesday (April 7th). Bounty Killer also faces previous charges of possession of a firearm, marijuana possession and wounding and assault. The news of Bounty Killer’s arrest comes days after the United States canceled work visa’s for a number of popular dancehall acts, including Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Beenie Man, Mavado and Aidonia. Last week, the U.S. Embassy issued a memo to all airlines not board the artists while their visa’s are being revoked. A number of artists, including Bounty Killer, were forced to cancel shows in Miami and other parts of Florida over this past weekend because of the visa issue. Bounty Killer has worked with a number of popular pop and Hip-Hop acts, including No Doubt, Mya, Wyclef Jean, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, Capone-N-Noreaga and others.

Styles P. Announces New Release ‘Ghost Dub Dime’

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

(AllHipHop News) Yonkers, New York rapper and Lox member Styles P. has announced he is releasing a new mixtape with E1 Music this May. The mixtape, titled The Ghost Dub-Dime, is the latest project from the rapper, who also recently inked a book deal with Random House to release a fictional novel titled Invincible. In addition to the book, Styles P. will drop a soundtrack for the novel, which is due in stores and on StylesP.net on June 1st.  “I am staying in tune with the streets and providing bars that most rappers won’t,” Styles said of The Ghost Dub-Dime. The first single from the mixtape is titled “That Street Life,” which features Raleigh, North Carolina singer Tyler Woods. Styles P. is also in the recording studio working on a new solo album, in addition to a new album from his group The Lox. “I’m proud to be operating as an independent where I have total control of my project,” Styles P. said of his independence.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Roc-A-Fella Reunion? Dame and Jay-Z Dinner? Lupe Fiasco’s Super Group?

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Rumors

DISCLAIMER:

 

All content within this section is pure rumor

and generally have no factual info outside of what the streets have

whispered in our ear. Read on.

SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING!!!!!

A ROC-A-FELLA REUNION?????

Whoa. This is a big one. Rumor has it, Dame Dash and Jay-Z recently had a secret dinner and there was a possible discussion of a Roc-A-Fella reunion. And this is a doozie and perhaps I am TOTALLY being PRANKED, but I heard that Bleek and Beans was there as well. Dame’s previously been interviewed saying that he and Jay’s relationship is on good/friendly terms. But, from what I understand, this PRESUMED meeting was also about what to do with the Roc artists that are in limbo. Not sure about this one, but it would be cool to have the Roc back…for a spell.

LUPE FIASCO’S SUPER GROUP?

This is interesting! Check out Lupe’s recent message:

Lupe said all of these dudes were in the studio a few nights ago.

Shout out to Willie R!!!

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Ice Cube said this: “I heard there was a new West Coast, I ain’t heard it, I’ll murder more f##### stars than Conrad Murray!”

The other guy on the stage was Dough Boy aka Ice Cube’s son. WC is still cool with Cube though.

I heard the Lost Boyz are coming back up.

Master P’s nephew got caught with weed and some guns.

Will Smith has turned down the opportunity to play the late Marvin Gaye in a movie biopic.

That dude Matt Kemp who is with Rihanna reportedly proposed to her! WTF?!

KAT STACKS GET CLOWNED

Last Comic Kneeling? Tell us!

SNOOP VS NARDWUAR!

This is funny! One day Nardy and I are going to talk! 

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AND END!

I CANNOT IGNORE IT!

This is straight from the Associated Press.

TRENTON, N.J. – Two men and three teenage boys were charged Saturday with gang-raping a 7-year-old girl who was sold by her 15-year-old stepsister during a party at a crime-ridden apartment building in the state’s capital, police said.

Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer, left, and Police Director, Irving Bradley, right, announce the arrest of five individuals in the sexual assault of a 7 year-old girl, at a news conference at Police Headquarters in Trenton, N.J., Saturday, April 3, 2010. The assault occurred at Rowan Towers in Trenton Sunday night.

Details of the arrests were announced at a Saturday evening news conference outside police headquarters. Police Director Irving Bradley said detectives had been working around the clock since the crime was reported March 28.

“We did get a lot of cooperation from the community, which helped break this case,” Bradley said.

Those arrested included Gregory Joseph Leary, 20, in custody since Friday, when he was charged with having sex with the 15-year-old. The other four are Timear Lewis, 19, and boys ages 13, 14 and 17. Each was charged with aggravated sexual assault and child endangerment.

Prosecutors likely would seek to try all of them as adults, Mercer County prosecutor Joseph Bocchini said.

The suspects, who were to be assigned public defenders, were being held Saturday night and couldn’t be contacted for comment. There was no telephone listing for Lewis; a telephone for a G. Leary had been disconnected.

The case shocked residents of the gritty Rowan Towers apartment building, where three of those arrested live, police Capt. Joseph Juniak said.

Building management has stepped up its security presence there and promised additional safety measures. Residents have expressed skepticism that the apartments would become safer.

Police say the 15-year-old girl went to a party with some men at Rowan Towers on March 28 and the younger girl tagged along because she was worried about her stepsister’s safety. They say the 15-year-old sold sex to men and boys there, then took money to let them touch the younger girl. They say the touching turned to forcible sex as at least seven men raped the 7-year-old.

Additional arrests are expected, police said.

Before Saturday’s arrest announcement, the 15-year-old had been charged with promoting prostitution, aggravated sexual assault and other crimes. Police have not released her name, and she remained in juvenile detention Saturday night.

Mayor Doug Palmer, who met with the 7-year-old girl and her family in his office on Thursday, described their ordeal as a “torment.”

“They’re in a safe place right now,” he said. “I would ask that the community embrace this family — they are going through a lot.”

Palmer gave the girl a stuffed bunny rabbit for Easter. He said the family is getting counseling and indicated it may be permanently relocated away from the city.

He credited the police force for its hard work but said the investigation into “this heinous crime” isn’t done.

“We’re not finished because everyone who is responsible is still not arrested,” he said. “The police will not rest until we get every individual who was involved in this.”

7 YEAR OLD, WE

LOVE YOU!!!

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about

them then they should worry!

-illseed

WHO: illseed.com

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].

Trenton Mayor Snubs Jay-Z, Russell Simmons Rally

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

(AllHipHop News) Mayor Doug Palmer of Trenton, New Jersey has vowed to stay away from a rally in the city this Saturday (April 10th) featuring Hip-Hop moguls Jay-Z and Russell Simmons. According to reports, Jay-Z and Simmons will lead a group organizing a rally as a reaction to the news that a 15-year-old girl sold herself and her 7-year-old sister for sexual favors during a party on March 28th. So far, five men have been charged with gang raping the 7-year-old. Her 15-year-old sister has also been charged in the case and his being held at a detention center. Jay-Z and Simmons are scheduled to headline the rally at Lighthouse Outreach Ministry, which will include an appearance by The Reverend Al Sharpton in addition to a number of other community activists. According to The Trentonian, Mayoral Candidate Shahid Watson is helping to organize the rally along with Dennis Muhammad.Muhammad is nationally known for his work with young men in troubled communities through his organization, Peace Keepers.Mayor Doug Palmer said he was “tired” of rallies and has vowed to sit the event out. “I wish (organizers) well but I’m tired of marches. Tired of protests. Tired of rallies,” Palmer told The Trentonian. “I’m going to spend that time being a father to my daughter. When I decide what needs to be done, it will be something that is sustainable.”The Stop the Violence rally is free and open to the public. Tickets will be available through The Lighthouse Outreach Ministry starting tomorrow (April 6) at 6:00 PM.