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5 Great Things About Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 MSG Concert, Featuring Lil Wayne & Barack Obama

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

Jay-Z owns the Garden at this point. He might as well be a Knicks GM. Brooklyn’s finest pointed this out in the middle of his sold-out Blueprint 3 concert last night (March 2) when he proclaimed, “Madison Square Garden is now the house that Hov built!” Running through a torrent of hits, Hov was in typical form, but whether you’ve seen him once or a mil-li-on times, it’s always an experience. Dressed in all black everything, the motif for the night, the God MC spit a set that ranged from the newbies (“Run This Town,” Empire State Of Mind”) to still fresh (“99 Problems,” “U Don’t Know”) to classics (“Can I Live,” “Big Pimpin’”) while sharing the moment with Young Jeezy and Trey Songz. After you scroll through VIBE’s live Tweet session for a quick recap, check out these 5 great moments from the show. –Clover Hope

 

1. Is That Lil Wayne?

And Drake… And Nicki Minaj in glittery lace tights… Yes, the hypest point of the night was Young Jeezy’s surprise guests. Following Nicki’s “Bedrock” verse, Lil Wayne—whose passionate stage stomps are unparalleled—hopped, skipped and bounced on stage to the sounds of “I’m Goin’ In.” In true golden child fashion, Drake wore all white and a gray t-shirt instead of black garb. It was a good day for Wayne, whose sentencing had been postponed earlier. Jeezy had jokes: “How the f### you come back from that s###?” he asked as Wayne strutted off. “Just kidding.”

 

2. Trey Songz Gets His Shine

The R&B superstar-in-the-making opened with a roughly 45-minute set that included all those singles you hear incessantly on radio. He kicked off with “Can’t Help But Wait,” “I Need A Girl,” “Gotta Go” and “Last Time.” No panties dropped that we know of, but the ladies were swooning as Trey performed “Neighbors Know My Name” and “Invented Sex,” then brought out Fabolous (and poured liquor down a chosen female concertgoer’s throat). But the biggest look was Trey returning to the stage later on to help Hov on the hooks to “Already Home” and “Heart of the City.” Miming the lyrics side-by-side with Jay-Z, Trey looked like he belonged there.

3. MSG Hearts Young Jeezy?During Jeezy’s set, Jay-Z reminded the crowd of the courtesy rules: they were to welcome the Atlanta trapper with open arms at all times. “You got ’em?” Hov asked Jeezy. “I got ’em, my n####… So this is the Garden right chea?” Heavily chained, Jeezy Hamilton then hit us with a bunch of energizing bangers, including “Who Dat?” “Crazy World,” his verse on Rihanna’s “Hard” and “Put On.” Afterward, Hov came back out and told the crowd: “New York City, welcome Young Jeezy to the Garden!” Now can he get on Twitter?

4. Barack Obama Cameo?After a “Black President (Remix)” duet with Young Jeezy, Jay-Z told the crowd to pause for “a word from our president.” No, Barack Obama couldn’t make it in person, but the big homie was there in spirit. Hov stood in front of a huge screen that played brief footage of Obama’s speech wherein he dusted off his shoulders. No better way to introduce the boastful Timbaland-helmed track.

5. Overtime FTW!?About five minutes before 11 p.m., closing time, Jay-Z joked about the strict Garden rules. “I don’t know if y’all know about the Garden… It’s like 80 million dollars a minute.” But he’s got money to blow. “F**k it I’ll go into overtime.” Jay advised the “new” Jay-Z fans that, “This would be a good time to go home.” And his eternal hypeman Memphis Bleek returned for the medley of classics, from “Money Ain’t A Thang” to “Can I Get A” to “Hard Knock Life.” “Y’all cost me a little money tonight, but I don’t mind,” said Jay, capping the night with “Encore.” There were some famous friends (LeBron James, Shaq, Diddy, in the crowd). But no famous guest appearances… Just the best lyricist.

Ludacris Drops Microphone To Interview Quincy Jones at ASCAP EXPO

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

(AllHipHop News) Atlanta rapper Ludacris will put down his microphone to host and interview music icon Quincy Jones during the 5th Annual “I Create Music Expo” it was announced today (March 3).

Ludacris will interview Jones about his career during the three-day event, which is produced by ASCAP for budding songwriters, publishers, musicians and content creators.

The three-day EXPO is jam packed with executives, artists and publishers and includes panels, workshops, networking events, song critiquing, technology demonstrations and much more.

Ludacris will interview Jones about his career as musician, executive and producer.

Jones has worked with everyone of note from the past and present, including Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, James Ingram, Ray Charles, Melle Mel and numerous others.

Other artists and musicians slated to take place in “I Create Music” EXPO include John Mayer, who will be interviewed, while a chat with R&B legend Bill Withers is also slated. Participants like Just Blaze, Kenny Burrell, Dre & Vidal, Wendy & Lisa (Prince) and others will sit on panels or host workshops for songwriters.

ASCAP’s “I Create Music” EXPO will take place at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, April 22-24, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Wednesday Fashion Feature: The Evolution of Akademiks

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

Akademiks has been a leader in urban apparel for over a decade now. With the help of Elliott Betesh, co-founder of Dr. Jays clothing stores, the brand was launched by brothers Donwan and Emmett Harrell. Both men already had solid careers in the fashion industry, working with the likes of Donna Karan and Phat Farm. Akademiks quickly became a household name once rapper Fabolous dropped the brand’s name in a track on his Ghetto Fabolous album, and rocked a velour tracksuit on the inside cover. Since those early days, Akademiks has stayed afloat in the testy business of urban fashion, and continues to adapt as needed to serve the needs of the ever-changing market. Kiki got a chance to catch up with the creative design director of the brand, Matthew Sprague (picture above), to get a glimpse into Akademiks secrets for success, and find out what we can expect for spring/summer 2010: DrJays.com: How did you first get your start in the business? Matthew: I majored in fashion design at Parsons School of Design in NY and in Paris. First worked with the Perry Ellis America denim line and then for Marc Jacobs. I then went onto Europe where I started the high-end luxury sports line Escada Sport. After that, I was invited back to New York to design for Tommy Hilfiger. DrJays.com: Describe a day in the life of the creative design director of Akademiks. Matthew: A typical day at Akademiks is extremely busy, meeting first with design team to go over the days work, then typically have meetings with production team, sales, PR and management. DrJays.com: How is Akademiks experiencing ongoing success with all of the competing urban brands out there – namely celebrity driven lines? Matthew: Akademiks has always been a leader in this market, constantly evolving to meet customers need for newness. The product speaks for itself, so it doesn’t necessarily need celebrity names attached. Various celebrities wear it because of its universal appeal. Keri Hilson rocking Akademiks in Source magazineDrJays.com: It seems that Akademiks has recently taken more of an edgy “streetwear” route – would you agree? Have you noticed a shift in your customer base? Matthew: Yes, its definitely going in a more modern feel, since the typical “urban” landscape and market has dramatically changed. I want to broaden our customer base, but still also keeping our traditional guy that has grown with the brand. Akademiks in Nylon magazineDrJays.com: Where did you draw inspiration from for your spring/summer 2010 collection? Matthew: I draw inspiration from the classics, while adding twists and making it youthful. I think color is extremely important, as are fabrications and great hand feels. I also like to blend fabrics, taking a very mixed media approach – natural with hi tech. It’s all about classics with a twist.  Cop the latest in Akademiks men’s and women’s gear on DrJays.com!

Lil Wayne Gets New Sentencing Date; Hits Stage With Jay-Z

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

(AllHipHop News) Lil Wayne has been given a third sentencing date for a 2007 gun charge, after a fire in a New York courthouse postponed the sentencing yesterday (March 2).

The rapper was scheduled to be sentenced to a one-year prison term for attempted possession of a weapon, after he pleaded guilty to the gun charge in October. Judge Charles H. Solomon was supposed to sentence the rapper to prison on February 9th, but he postponed the sentencing so Lil Wayne could have dental work done.

Judge Solomon rescheduled the date for March 2, but a fire broke out in the basement of the courthouse yesterday.

Over 1,000 people were forced to evacuate the building, which was shut down for the day after eight people, including five firefighters were treated for injuries.

According to TMZ.com, Lil Wayne will be sentenced to prison on Monday (March 8).Last night, Lil Wayne hit the stage with Jay-Z at Madison Square Garden last night as part of the Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 tour.

UPDATE: Guru Issues Statement On Heart Attack

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

(AllHipHop News) Revered rapper Guru released a statement to AllHipHop.com today (March 3) as he recovers from surgery after suffering a heart attack over the weekend.

Guru, born Keith Elam, was briefly comatose due to the heart attack. Doctors successfully operated on the 43-year-old MC on Tuesday (March 2).

“I am doing fine and I am recovering! I’m weak though,” Guru told AllHipHop.com in a statement today. “Solar is the only person who has the accurate info on my situation. Any info from anybody else is false! I appreciate your well wishes and all the love!”

Guru and his family are asking for privacy as he recovers and stressed for fans to continue to send prayers, thoughts and love.

His partner Solar echoed Guru’s comments about the need for privacy but told fans the outlook is positive for the rapper.

Additionally, only Solar will have access to Guru and accurate information regarding the status of his health.

“Guru is resting and doing well after his surgery,” Solar told AllHipHop.com. “The doctors say that he will fully recover from his illness. We thank everyone who send prayers our way and we appreciate the outpouring of love from around the world!”Solar can be reached by contacting a representative for his publicity firm, Yo-Pr.com.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Jay-Z & John Mayer! Run DMC to Reunite! Slaughterhouse Rumors!

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.

A CONTEST IS HERE

AllHiphop and Yung Texxus are giving away some Knicks Tickets. All you

have to do is listen to the song “Go Live” above and give honest feedback. When

you do, leave the comment under the song and email me the same comment

to [email protected].  (click here for the song.) I will send it over to Yung Texxus, who will pick a winner in the NY/NJ and surrounding areas! Thanks!

(Note: you don’t have to say his song is the best thing since wheat bread either…honest feedback.) Lastly, click here to buy his new album on iTunes. If you need a dose of his overall style, a mixtape is below.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

RUN DMC TO REUNITE?

Run DMC! Do you know them? They are just everything to Hip-Hop…that’s all. But, since the death of Jam Master Jay, the group hasn’t been together at all. Well it appears that the KINGS are all set to make a reunion at The Roots annual picnic event this summer in Philly. The picnic is all set for June of this year…

Check out this video clip interview of AllHipHop interviewing DMC and him talking about battling Run, Gucci Mane and skinny jeans!

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OPRAH’S GONNA GET YA

I don’t know when this aired, but it is not over for John Mayer. Oprah’s gonna get him (or got him). Mayer’s ex Jessica Simpson talked to Oprah about the comments he made in Playboy Magazine. She said that he hurt her when he said that her sex was like a bad drug for him. “Sexually it was crazy. That’s all I’ll say. It was like napalm, sexual napalm.” John Mayer had hope that HE could get on Oprah and repent, but it would seem that Big O turned the script on him…or is that flip the script? Anyway…don’t think this is the last of it!

Check out Jay-Z and Johnny boy prepping for the show in MSG. Last night Jay did his BP3 show there. This is from a new doc. SMH.

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SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END!

What is wrong with people? I ask it repeatedly, because this world is foreign to me! Here is the latest SMH move some wackjob did. The police are called to a man’s house for an alleged domestic abuse case. They think they are going there to see a man beating up his wife or something. No. Dude was beating on his damn dog! Michael Davidson of Jenison, Michigan was arrested for sodomizing a dog AND he still caught a case for domestic abuse. I guess the dogs are protected after all…go PETA! Davidson is in jail, because he cannot afford to get out on $30,000 bond.

SLAUGHTERHOUSE RUMORS!

Slaughterhouse. Remember them? You all may be wondering…what happened? I know what happened, but I will give you a part of it. The group was supposed to be signing to Shady Records, right? Right. Well, there was a big snag involved in that, because there are a lot of artists in the group and a lot of business ties. I am hearing they are still looking to make it all happen, but they just have to clear up some of the stuff. Make sense? I hope so. Anyway, Royce and Crooked I have a show in NYC at SOB’s next week. Maybe “we” can get some additional info after.

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

EWWWWWW! This is sad! Victoria’s got a big Secret that she shares with Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms. and the Gap! These mofos have been caught, reselling used underwear! The Today Show did the damage to the companies in an undercover sting operation. They said in some cases the lingerie was even stained. Fam, we gotta do better. I hope they do some “cleaning up” or I am never going to shop at these places again. Wait, I don’t shop there anyway.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

I don’t know, Jay. The New Jersey Nets are the soon to be the worst NBA team in history. But, my boy Sosa told me they are sinking even lower. The Nets – in an effort to sell tickets – are offering to do peoples TAXES for free of the come to the games. LMAO! FAIL!

I don’t know if you are aware, but Keyshia Cole had her baby boy.

Lord Superb charges that D-Rock, Junior Mafia’s heavy and Biggies friend, punched Ghostface in the face over Lil Kim. The video is floating online.

Stop sending me MP3’s and stuff. This “contest” hasn’t even started yet! I will let you know when to send the music and stuff! Until then…send me rumors!

Recently, there was big deal made over T.I. getting on twitter, but I am hearing it is 100% ghostwriting…or ghosttweeting.

I keep hearing 50 is working on a new CD, but what I am seeing is him switching over to acting.

DESTINY’S CHILD BEFORE ANY MONEY OR FAME

MORE LATER…I HAVE A DENTIST APPOINTMENT LIKE LIL WAYNE!

RUN DMC, 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].

Friends Plead For Help Finding Missing Rapper J-Kwon

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

(AllHipHop News) According to label reps for J-Kwon, the 24-year-old rapper has been missing for a month and they are asking fans to help locate him.

According to Gracie Productions, J-Kwon was gearing up to release a new self-titled album this month, but he has not been heard from in over 30 days.

“J-Kwon is a big part of the Gracie family, and we are obviously increasingly worried and want to make sure he is ok,” said Gracie Productions CEO/President Tony Bucher. “We’ve already received thousands of emails from fans and supporters who are worried about J-Kwon, and we want everyone to know how much we appreciate the love and support. If anyone has seen J-Kwon or has access to him, please let him know we are worried about him, and to please let us know everything is ok.”

J-Kwon, born Jarrell Jones, is best known for his 2004 Top 10 hit “Tipsy” from his album HoodHop, which was released on So So Def/Arista in 2004.

He followed those projects with 2009’s Hood Hop 2 and Hood Hop 2.5, in addition to releasing a single, “O,” featuring J-Skillz and singer Sally Anthony.

It is not known if family members have filed a missing persons report with police as of press time.

ChartWatch: DJ Khaled Drops, Go Buy Some Gangstarr! Sade’s Still Selling!

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

AllHipHop ChartWatch for March 03, 2010

 

Sometimes you gotta dig deep, when problems come nearDon’t fear things get severe for everybody

everywhereWhy do bad things happen, to good people?Seems that life is just a constant war between

good and evil

–         

Guru (Moment of Truth)

We’re starting off this week

with a verse from Guru who is currently recovering from a massive heart attack

but is expected to make a full recovery. 

He is, of course, one half of the duo Gang Starr and if you haven’t had

a chance to listen to anything by the group then do yourself a favor and find

an album.  The Boston MC along with his

Houston, TX born partner, DJ Premier, helped to define the New York Hip Hop

sound.  Plus, Guru is the musical force

behind the popular Jazzmatazz series

which fused rap with jazz.  Our thoughts

and prayers still go out to Guru and his loved ones along with the hope that he

makes a speedy recover.

Now, first up this week is an

artist that s familiar with the number one spot.  Since its debut in early February Sade’s Soldier of Love has held the top

position.  This week is no different as

the Nigerian songstress racks up another 127,000 copies of her latest offering.

She is followed by The Black

Eyed Peas which are the first Hip Hop representative on the charts this

week.  The E.N.D dips a little resting at number four on the charts but

still manages to move 49,000 copies.

The next artist also drops from

five to six on the charts but I’m sure he’s not complaining.  Lil Wayne’s “rock” album, Rebirth, moves another 37,000 copies

this week.  That along with the news that

his jail sentence is being delayed (again) should keep the New Orleans MC in

good spirits.  Actually, if you want some

insight into the eccentric mind of Wayne then check out his Twitter page where

Dr. Carter doles out infinite wisdom like “I

don’t have a.d.d…I have ESPN” and “iz it betta 2 b believed r believed in? wen

ive ben told im unbelievable.but it takes more effort 2 believe than 2

kill;dont kill yo beliefs.”  I’m

almost sure a cup of “something” was involved in tweeting that last one.

She raps and we don’t discriminate here at AllHipHop.com so

the next artist up is Ke$ha (everytime I read her name I see an out-of-touch

record exec saying “Put a dollar sign where the “S” would go.  Yeah…the kids love tha bling bling scrilla).  Her debut album, Animal, jumps from fourteen to seven and sells another 32,000

copies.  Really, I only put her in this

week because she has a great video of her on Youtube performing/butchering one

of my favorite Radiohead songs at a talent show in middle school.  Just type in “Ke$ha Talent” (look at

that…those two words can be in the same sentence) and prepare to be

astounded.  I know some of you may say

“hey, what the hell were you doing in middle school!?!? Why hate on

her?!?!”  It’s because by the time I got

to middle school I knew I couldn’t sing (or rap…or act…or dance…the list goes

on) so I decided to put my efforts elsewhere. 

Well apparently, no one told Ke$ha which is good for her bank account (read

RCA’s bank account…you know she ain’t getting paid) but bad for our

ears.  If you get a chance, show the

video to anybody in your life that has absolutely no musical talent and tell

them to keep plucking away because if Ke$ha can make it…

Finally, we drop all the way down to the thirty eight spot

which is currently being held by Jay-Z’s The

Blueprint 3.  The album takes a

little hit in sales this week but the Marcy MC still manages to sell 13,000

copies of his latest.

Last week someone asked about Freeway’s The Stimulus Package and Gill Scott-Heron’s I’m New Here.  Why weren’t

they on the charts?  Well, we usually do

the top 50 but someone did point out that we charted Triple C’s brick of an

album so I guess letting you know about Freeway and Gill is fair.  While both albums were well received critically,

Freeway’s The Stimulus Package

entered the charts at number 63 selling 9000. 

Scott-Heron’s I’m New Here did

not fare as well entering the charts at 181 and selling 3,700 copies.  I can assure you things didn’t get better

sales wise for them this week so let’s move on to “Dropping.”

 

Dropping

This Week

 

            Quick question…How do you pronounce

DJ Khaled’s name.  Is it supposed to lead

off with the “H” sound like I have always heard Khaled pronounced or does he

just lead off with the strong “C” because he knows his fans won’t pronounce it

correctly?  Just a thought.  However you say it, the Florida

representative is dropping another album this week.  Prepare to finally have your question of “who

is the best?” answered as loud as a person can possibly respond.  This is a DJ album which means the more

popular the DJ the more featured artists. 

I’ll let you decide DJ Khaled’s place in the industry as his latest

album, Victory, features Diddy, Busta

Rhymes, T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dog, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Plies, Schife (I’m

guessing he must know Khaled), Usher, Drake, Lil Wayne, Nas, John Legend, Jim

Jones, Birdman, Bun B, Soulja Boy, Buju Banton, (ok this is a little bit of an

overkill, don’t you think?) Bounty Killer, Rum (another friend of Khaled?), Nelly

(you’re still making music?!), Lil Boosie, Ace Hood, Kevin “KC” Cossum

(friend), BallGreezy (friend with cool name, no h###), Desloc (friend), Piccalo

(friend…from “A Different World”?

Look it up.), Ice “Billion” Berg (friend with lots of ice), Bali (friend),

Gunplay, Rum, Young Cash (last three friends appear to be at the end of the

creative nickname line), Pitbull and, finally, Jarvis (friend at the very end

of the creative nickname line.  They must

have run out).  If you like posse cuts

like “Fed Up” then this is the album for you. 

Khaled…who is the best?

            That’s

really all that’s worth mentioning this week.  

Capone –N-Noreaga: The Band of Brothers

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

One of the oldest, most played out statements to proclaim that you want that ol’ New York rap back.  Back? First of all, so-called New York rap never left, but it appears to have been driven underground like Morlocks in the city sewers.  However, in the mid-90’s the subterranean dwellers arose and took over the city with powerful voices, music and an agenda that inspired a generation. Perhaps, this is what people want back. The soldiers.

In 1997, Capone-N-Noreaga released a seminal, revered opus called The War Report. The album was and still is beloved by the streets and cherished by Hip-Hop aficionados for the grit, the fearlessness and the musicality of Capone, Noreaga, as well as the legions of others that helped craft the classic. (Shout out to Tragedy, who is locked down at press time.) Now, they are joining forces to recreate that magic with The War Report II, the sequel.

Capone-N-Noreaga return loaded with a full clip that includes Raekwon, Nas and others to convene to deliver the 2010 war report this summer. So yes, that New York rap is back…guns blazing.

AllHipHop.com: How did you guys come to sign to Raekwon’s label?

Noreaga: I want everybody to be clear. Its not that we signed as artists. The deal is structured, (Thug) Militainment / Ice Water, through EMI. We’re business partners, as opposed to artists. I don’t want people to get it confused.

AllHipHop.com: How does that work?

Noreaga: We’re 50/50 partners. We figured lets merge so for this particular project, Militainment / Ice Water merger.

AllHipHop.com: For this project only?

Noreaga: Yeah.

AllHipHop.com: How did it come about?                        

Noreaga: Just in conversations. We figured why not? We were always cool and they had success in what they did. Me personally, I don’t really understand this independent game. I haven’t had much success independent that I had with a major. With a major, it’s a lazy form of success, because you don’t actually get to learn anything. When I got to learn it, I didn’t get to apply what I learned. This is my chance to learn it through people that have just had success.

AllHipHop.com: Now you did some things with Koch right?

Noreaga: No, I never did any business…(points to Capone…)

Capone: I did a joint with Koch.

AllHipHop.com: How did that work for you, the indie side?

Capone: It was like he had just said: I didn’t know too much. I was just open off the number splits. I didn’t know that when you have your independent situation, you have to have your own money too. That’s real important, to have your own money and your own team.

Noreaga: The best way to explain independence is…have you ever moved (homes) from place to place?

AllHipHop.com: Yeah.

Noreaga: Have you ever moved without hiring movers?

AllHipHop.com: (laughs) Yeah.

Noreaga: That’s what being independent is. If you’ve ever moved with movers, you were mad relaxed that day. “Don’t forget that lamp! Put the pillows with the couch! I want the whole bed set to be there…” You were relaxed. Independent is moving with no movers. You gotta call your boy with the truck, with the hatchback, make sure he’s on time. And nobody’s on time to help another n***a move. He’s taking his time…you gotta do everything on your own. So you know, you break a few lamps the first time…you misplace a headboard. So, now…its lets move together now.

“I f**ked up. R.Kelly done peed on b***hes…forgive me! (all laugh) I’m a jump out of the window kind of n***a! F**k it, lets just jump! “ – Noreaga

AllHipHop.com: Musically, you guys have been done it all from hardcore Hip-Hop to more popish rap to Reggaeton. What are we going to get here?

Capone: Musically, it’s back to the essence with this one. Back to ’95 era…9-7 and all that. We just trying to touch that gritty essence of what made Capone-N-Noreaga, what got us here talking to you talking about we’re doing another War Report. To have loyal fans and have people that respect our music. We don’t have 10 albums in the game…we don’t have five albums… One album made it seem like we have this huge discography…(to Nore) there goes that word again.

Noreaga: Distogafay (tries to say discography)…I can’t say that s**t.

Capone: But that’s what we want to give the people back…the same thing they gave us.

Noreaga: That’s one of the proudest moments of doing this album. This is clearly what the fans want. This is what they request. The best part about it is this is for the fans.

Capone: And the best part about it…that’s really real good is I’m here to do the whole album. (both applause)

Noreaga: But Trag is locked up. (Tragedy, their mentor who was instrumental on the first album.)

Capone: But we got Rae though. Its pieces just getting changed around. Its just time…evolution.

AllHipHop.com: The War Report is a classic album for anybody that knows Hip-Hop. Can you spreak on what it means now, a decade later?

“We want the stab and shoot crowd back. It’s too clean now. Nobody gets stabbed in the club…no shots…no fights…”– Capone

Noreaga: You know, the funniet s**t and this is me speaking for myself. Until I started to do the War Report II, I really couldn’t listen to War Report 1 in its entirety.

AllHipHop.com: Why?

Noreaga: Because it brung pain, yo. I was speaking to EZ ElPee, who did “Blood Money,” he said the most ingenious s**t. He said, “Everything y’all did in y’all life was wrong so it made the music right.” Everything in our life was wrong.

AllHipHop.com: Raekwon proved the possibilities with Only Built 4 Cuban Links II, but how do you all feel you will be accepted in this new era?

Noreaga: You have to grow with your fan base. We can’t be 18 no more. Our fans have jobs…our fans have kids.

Capone: We can make them reminisce.

CNN Talk About The East/West Beef, Why Prodigy of Mobb Deep Had To Fall Back And How Biggie Never Wanted Them To Do “LA, LA.”

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Noreaga: I think one of our biggest failures was when we did the “Rotate” record and it was a Nore record, but we tried to put ‘Pone on there.  That ain’t genuine. Our fans ain’t used to that.

AllHipHop.com: You guys are friends and in business. How has that worked for you, staying together, especially since Nore has had so much solo success. How have you maintained that?

Noreaga: I think growing up…like the other day, I had a Spanish show  and ‘Pone comes with me. I’m mad uncomfortable. (Laughs) And I ask the DJ, “You got any Capone-N-Noreaga records?” He was like…”Nahhhh.” So, I tell ‘Pone, “He only got a couple of these Spanish records. I’ma do a couple of them and bounce.” I didn’t think this n***a was gonna come on stage. He came out and was my hype man the whole night. That right there is the key to success. You don’t have to be a part of everything…hold me down. That s**t touched my heart. That was one of our funnest nights together. That’s how groups succeed.

AllHipHop.com: I’m not big on the Reggaeton thing.

Noreaga: I’m not either. I f**ked up. R.Kelly done peed on b***hes…forgive me! (all laugh) I’m a jump out of the window kind of n***a! F**k it, lets just jump! I’ll tell you what: the parties are crazy and nobody’s getting stabbed or shot!

Capone: That’s what we want! We want the stab and shoot crowd back. It’s too clean. Nobody gets stabbed in the club…no shots…no fights…

Noreaga: I don’t want that.

Capone: I want that Tunnel (famous NY club) feeling back!

AllHipHop.com: The feeling!

Noreaga: I want the feeling without the incidents.

 

The original : THE WAR REPORT

Newark, NJ Resident Complaints Result in AKOO Billboard Removal

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

Days after drawing criticism over a sexually suggestive image, a controversial billboard promoting the AKOO clothing brand will be taken down.

According to the Star-Ledger, CBS Outdoor, the New York-based billboard company responsible for the advertisement, confirmed it would take steps to remove the billboard.

AKOO is owned by Grammy winning rapper/actor T.I., who founded the company with Grand Hustle Entertainment CEO Jason Geter.

The billboard’s image of a woman kneeling in front of a standing man while pulling down his unbuckled jeans generated a multitude of feedback from Newark, New Jersey residents who found the ad offensive and felt it was too sexually explicit to be located to be located in one of the city’s busiest intersections.

Complaints from the residents as well as negative publicity from media sources ultimately resulted in CBS Outdoor changing its view on the billboard.

Last week, company officials defended the suggestive advertisement, saying the billboard was within its guidelines for decency.

News of the AKOO billboard’s removal comes after the office of Newark Mayor Corey Booker announced plans for the city’s Office of Corporation Counsel to review options for having the advertisement taken down.

Despite releasing a statement addressing the billboard controversy on Monday (March 1), AKOO has not commented on the advertisement’s removal from its location on the corner of Market and Washington Streets in Newark.