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Rhymefest: I Got N***as I Want To Air Out
Rhymefest is promising to put his peers on notice publicly with the release of his revolution-inspired El Che next month.The project is Rhymefests second full-length album, and comes 4 years after his major-label debut Blue Collar on J Records.Because of the delay and label politics, the Chicago emcee was forced to rework the album and keep his name afloat with guest spots and mixtapes, most notably the Dangerous: 5-18 tape released last week.We changed the whole album. The album El Che drops May 18. Ni**as been saying, Aw, ni**a thats the Detox El Che, Rhymefest told AllHipHop.com. No, its my album and its coming out. Its not a legend. Its not a fairy tale. I had to get away from that label.Rhymefest utilizes interludes throughout the album to tell the narrative of his revolutionary activity while being tailed relentlessly by unidentified agents.On the album track Talk My S**t, he takes credit over former foe Charles Hamiltons decreased output and visibility in recent months (Wet behind the ears I make Chucky disappear ), and criticizes Wale for not heeding his advice for his debut Attention Deficit (Even before Wale bricked/I tried to pull him to the side and say those white boys wont sell your s**t!)Regarding these callouts, Rhymefest advised fans and critics to expect to hear him focused and sharp on El Che.I got names I wanna name. I got ni**as I want to air out. Im about to kill it, Rhymefest explained to AllHipHop.com.El Che will be available May 18, and features guest spots from Little Brother, Glenn Lewis, and Saigon.
Rich Kids in Hip-Hop: Who Let the Gates Open?
Editor’s note: The
views expressed inside this editorial aren’t necessarily the views of
AllHipHop.com or its employees.We survived
winters, snotty nosed with no coats/
We kept it real,
but the older brother still had jokes/
… Check it,
fifteen of us in a three bedroom apartment/
Roaches
everywhere, cousins and aunts was there/
Ghostface
Killah, All That I Got Is You, Ironman
(1996).
The working-class kid in me wants to
know why Hip-Hop fans would submit their precious time to the abuse of
spoon-fed, pampered, nannied, chauffeur-carried brats who know next to nothing
of growing up with no assurance where your meals coming from.
Yes, the long-awaited editorial has
arrived on schedule. Put down your shoes, pal! Therell be no invective-hurling
today. But some frank truths have been piercing my ear for a while now; and I
know better than to disobey those voices once they get cranky.
If youve made it this far, theres good chance we share core values. If not, hear
me out and prepare your profanity-laced, dimwitted e-mails thereafter.
In the last few months, Ive had to
suppress some impulse to stave off this editorial. I figured over time the
better angels within my nature would allay my increasing worries that many Hip-Hop
fans are losing the battle to reality, but I find the need even greater now to
let out these unflattering observationsand the consequences I think lurk
around the corner if we dont take heed.
When the young son of Rap legend Rev.
Run, Diggy Simmons, released his first mixtape last December, howls filled the
air. He was celebrated as fresh and unique and lyrical, by some AllHipHop
commenters Ive depended on in the past for what Ernest Hemingway calls the
built-in bullsh** detectora device he suggested no serious writer lacked.
You see it, feel it, and delete it. Each one dressed up their rave reviews in
contrast to his older brother, Jo Jo Simmons, and in contradiction to the tacit
presuppositions held of anyone with Run for a surname.
The mixtape was an attempt by Diggy to
prove himself as more than just the son of Rev. Run, wrote
AllHipHop co-founder and co-CEO Greg
Watkins, who filed the story. Diggys dad was pleasantly surprised to see his
son run swift with the flaming torch he lit some three decades back. Around the
time last year, I heard Diggys lead single, Point to Prove, and liked what
was coming through the speakers. I wasnt blown apart or taken aback: I had no expectations. And whoever said
rich kids couldnt flow? Listen to
enough Canibus or Talib Kweli, and your pattern should structure quite well.
But if hypocrisy were gold, many Hip-Hop
fans could own Vegas tonight. When Jo Jo Simmons first explored the unmapped
terrain of Hip-Hop music-making a few years back (on Runs House), no one with a shred
of dignity let him rest at night. Blogs and forums lit up, and Armageddon marked
a minute awayall because a rich kid thought he could walk through the
executive doors of major record labels and sign on the dotted line because his
father and uncle could move mountains with a finger-snap.
I dont know the extent of Jo Jos
experiences. Life, in fact, might be more complicated for him than most lacking
such access and ability available since birth. But if Jo Jo had no chance,
Diggy shouldnt. No one believed Jo Jo had much to inform about life and
hardship, about struggle and pain, about uncertainty and destinyand they ought
not to be hypocrites. But Diggy can spit;
Jo Jo cant!, I can hear some yelping. Well, yes and no. Yes: Diggy handles
breath-control better, and can imitate Rakim quite well. But, no: it wasn’t the
flow that got the Hip-Hop aficionados
seething: it was the silver fork hanging from Jo Jos lips. It was a firm
commitment to ensure Vanilla Ice would have no reincarnation. (All due respect
to that much-maligned man aside.)
Speaking with AllHipHop right after his mixtape dropped, the abnormally
well-spoken 14-year-old Diggy Simmons, now an Atlanta Records recording
artist, recounted
the extent of his Rap career/passion: Ive been rapping since I was 5 then
I stopped. I dont even know why I stopped. Then two years ago I got back into
just recording normal tracks. I recorded a song and posted it on my blog and it
got crazy feed back, it wasnt even that lyrical it was more for fun. I love
music, I love making it. Im almost in the studio everyday.
Once, Hip-Hop offered loud voice of
political courage to command the attention of society toward moral correction. (Ever
heard The Message, By the Time I Get to Arizona, Evil That Men Do, Burn
Hollywood Burn, Black Korea, Mystery Of Iniquity, Strange Ways, or American
Terrorist?) Today, Hip-Hop fills vacuums: its a hobby; its an emotional
alleviator; its a social legitimatorit means youre cool. Once, Hip-Hop offered the only legal means of true financial
liberation for kids trapped into unlivable conditions. Today, Hip-Hop adds an
extra 0to the many other 0s lined up from fashion and modeling and TV deals.
Aubrey Graham, better known as Drake,
fares no better in my book. And though three years ago (please listen to Room for Improvement), I could vouch for
him, today I hang my head in shame at the caricature Young Money has turned him
into. But the once-Degrassi (some
suburban White middle-class drama) star doesnt mind: He rolled out the womb
into a golden crib.
For his much-anticipated (sure-to-flop)
debut album, So Far Gone, hes been studying
Nas (to understand how he painted those pictures and his bar structure and all
of that) and Andre 3000. Take a few seconds to award Mr. Graham his ovation.
But a few of usfans and artists alikestudied Nas for quite different reasons:
for the sense of agency and empowerment he provided our struggle; for the eloquent and extensive definition he gave to
inner-city reality; for the wisdom sprawled liberally from his lips to our
ears. No doubt artists can learn a good deal of poetic structure from Nas; but
when Rap music fails to inspire anymore, when technical mastery is all left to
glean from, something is wrongeither
with the teacher or the student, the speaker or the listener.
I tend to judge the likes of Drake like
Cormega would: I don’t like when these spoiled rich kids just get into
rap because it’s something they can
do. They pops got money and they put ’em in the game and then they start
rapping about something, a life they could never live. Go do something else. Ni**as
like us rap about sh** because we
lived it. These ni**as use Rap as a hobby.
If youve ever let your eardrumsand
heartfall victim to a Cormega track, the knee-jerk hes hatin reaction shouldnt find value following those comments:
he embodies every word. And Hip-Hop fans and artists have always stood close to
that timeless axiomno pain: no gain. Not in a fascistic senseas I picked up
from Nas and Damian Marleys Strong Will Continuebut meaning, if hardship to you is running late to a
video shoot, or the late arrival of a chauffeur, or a missed opportunity to
clock your closet with a limited-stock-collection-edition sneaker line, you
might as well stay clear of the mic and pick up a more appealing, less
transient hobbylike curling.
And, sure enough, Hip-Hop fans have come
down terribly harsh on rich kids who, with good muscle movement, eventually made
it onto the roster at some major label outfit trying to suck up to their
parents. Its only right that a keeping
it real-obsessed community should take sharp swords to the ankles of anyone
whose definition of poverty has more in solidarity with Carlton from The French Prince than J.J. from Good Times. (May I take this opportunity
to plunge into Will Smith? Nah, lets move on.)
The code shouldnt take much to crack:
we dont greatly appreciate rich kids
because they can tell us next to nothing of what nihilism means, of what
fatalism means: in short, of what Hip-Hop means. If I ask readers to name one born-wealthy
Hip-Hop artist whose message has poked in their hearts the perseverance to keep
keepin on until someday, as Lil Boosie might put it (fall out your chairs,
purists!), selling out the store/ my money dont fold now/, we might be
waiting till the trumpets sound, for an acceptable answer. But I let loose the
name Tupac Amaru Shakur, and libations shower the earth.
Listen, folks: I hate to be that guyyou
know, the party-crasher, the stink at the board meeting, the grump at the bar
mitzvah, the atheist at church; but wipe off your lips: youre drooling. These
folks share nothing in common with the artists by whom our lives have been made
meaningful and purposeful. So, feel free to wash over their albums at your
local store: they don’t need the money. But some doand if youll rather shell out precious coin to enlarge the
coffers of some glitterati scion, please dont show your face around here any
longer. I dont mind one less reader.
Tolu
Olorunda is a cultural critic whose work regularly appears on AllHipHop.com,
TheDailyVoice.com, and other online
journals. He can be reached at: [email protected].
Drake – “Over” [Official Video]
Peep the new video for Drake’s new single “Over.” Does it hold up? See it below.
Taiwanese Company Sues Over Fake Nelly Show
(AllHipHop News) A production company based in Taiwan is suing a United States booking agency accused of illegally booking rapper Nelly and keeping tens-of-thousands of dollars in performance fees. Taiwanese company Now The Loop is suing Capital Connections Agency (CCA) for over $250,000, after the company took $40,000 to book Nelly. Now The Loop accuses CCA of being a criminal enterprise that claims to represent a variety of top celebrities ranging from Tiger Woods and Bill Gates, to Ja Rule and the Obamas. According to the lawsuit, Now The Loop wired $40,000 to book Nelly for a December 31, 2009 party, but CCA head Durby Brandon claimed the money never arrived on time. When he did receive the money, he claimed that it was received late and that Nelly would not be showing up for the engagement. Durban allegedly then offered the services of Ja Rule, whom In The Loop had already booked through his real representatives. CCAs name is confusingly similar to Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which represents artists like Mariah Carey, Bow Wow, Eve, Fabolous, Usher, Jeezy and a number of other top name talent across all genres of music.
Monday Fashion Feature: Find Out Why Swizz Beatz Reps For Sabit NYC
Sabit is a brand known to create the perfect blend of Japanese and American streetwear, with superior attention to quality and detail. With fans like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and T.I., the brand has been making waves since its launch just four years ago. Sabit’s designs have a way of being loud in a tasteful way, with creative uses of fabrics, colors, prints, washes and more. I got a chance to catch up with the brains behind the brand, founder/creative director, Shoichi Amemiya. Previous to creating Sabit, Shoichi worked with Mark Ecko as creative director of Ecko outerwear. The talented designer gave us a sneak peek at what Sabit has in store for summer, fall (including a new women’s line!), dishing on upcoming collaborations and more: DrJays.com: How did you get your start in the fashion industry? Shoichi: “I started off by attending a fashion school in Japan named Osaka Mode, where I majored in fashion design.” DrJays.com: Describe a typical day in the life of Sabit’s head designer. Shoichi: “A typical day for me in the Sabit NYC office consists of checking emails and constant communication with our Japan office and factories overseas.” DrJays.com: On your website, Swizz Beatz is described as “the face of Sabit”. How is he involved with the brand? Shoichi: “Swizz Beatz is a very good friend of ours at Sabit NYC. He simply appreciates that brand, and we appreciate him! His involvement as an ambassador keeps us in the forefront of the music industry.” Swizz Beatz and ShoichiDrJays.com: What sets Sabit apart from other popular streetwear brands? Shoichi: “Our design concepts come directly from the influences of my hometown Japan, which makes them authentic. I allow my knowledge of the culture to be infused throughout the brand. Shoichi: “We are part of the Japanese fashion movement called ‘Amercaji’ which is a blend of American and Japanese cultures. This movement allows anyone to wear our brand and feel a part of two amazing places, with a common appreciation of great fashion.” DrJays.com: What can we expect from your summer 2010 collection? Shoichi: “You can expect great fashion with inspirations coming from both the city and country. I have chosen to take elements from both places to create a look that translates into streetwear cultures all across the world.” Spring/summer 2010 DrJays.com: Any exciting news/collaborations in the works? Shoichi: “We have a collaboration coming up with Goomi Arcade, another dope brand, with heavy Japanese design influences on a few items… Which I’ll keep secret until the time is right! We have also collaboration with celebrity fashion stylist Mike B. on a very unique blazer/jacket with matching salvage denim jeans to go.” Fall 2010See more brand new gear from Sabit right HERE on DrJays.com!
E-40: Still Revenue Retrieving
Currently E-40s double album Revenue Retrievin: Day Shift and Revenue Retrievin: Night Shift is flying high on the charts. The indie overlord has repped the Bay Area (The Yay) for over 20 years and continues to release music independently with major success. Furthermore, the slang lord has the gall to release this double album in a recession. Ballsy.
40 sat down with AllHipHop.com and reveals how to thrive in these tough economic times as a rapper, a father and a business man. Illegal or Legal take notes from E-40, whos still feddy pinchin after all these years.
AllHipHop.com: Whats going on 40?
E-40: S### you know, same soup, just warmed over (laughs).
AllHipHop.com: So whats good man, where are you?
E-40: In the Yay Area, you know doing my grit with the album. Excuse me, albums out!
AllHipHop.com: Yea man you got that Revenue Retrievin out, that Day and Night. I might need to you to tell us how to get money during the day and at night since thats doing so well on the charts man.
E-40: Its pretty much the same as far as getting money during day and night. You know, whether its legal or illegal. You can work at a warehouse, or a furniture spot or a Costco, be out there at the wee hours of the night. 3 or 4 in the morning setting boxes up. Then you could be on the block at 3 or 4 in the morning out there getting money when the dope fiends out there, where it pops the most. So it could be legal or illegal. Ya smell me? (Laughs)
AllHipHop.com: You are rapper that has gone down different paths as far as business opportunities. You owned a Fat Burger, a Wing-Stop, I heard you had a few restaurants, tell me about how those businesses.
E-40: Both of those companies both of them are not mine, but I actually did buy into the franchise, I bought the building and whatever. But I ended up buying a building and now Im going through some things with that. But I had a Fat Burger for like 3 years, but with the economy the way it was, thats messed everything up. We had to shut the doors on it. Instead of people buying a Fat Burger, they went to Albertsons and got some patties and hamburger buns. Its just the ups and downs.
AllHipHop.com: Theyre making them Eddie Murphy homemade hamburgers.
E-40: Yea, Im not gonna cry over spilled milk. Big business men and people like Donald Trump have had businesses that failed. So for me right now its all about investing in me and my record label.
AllHipHop.com: So talk to me a little more about this album. I know Mistah FAB and Jacka are featured on there. But tell me more about some features and what you got for the fans.
E-40: There are so many people on there, I got to go get the CD to see whos on there. If I say one persons name I got to say them all. Im going to make sure I cover everyone. Its some s### on there for you. Its the hottest s### out, everyone says that, but I get feedback from the core audience, and I am just grateful that my fans are continuing to support me. Put it like this 97% of the Bay is on there. Mack Shawn 100, Cousin, Turf Talk, B Legit, La Rue, all of Sick Wid It Records, Droop-E.
AllHipHop.com: Now did you get any production from Droop-E?
E-40: Yea thats my son; he produced more than half the album. He produced the majority of both of these albums.
AllHipHop.com: Tell me about working with your son, man. Whats that like?
E-40: Man its the best thing ever. Its the best thing a father can ask for. Droop-E started in this game with me when he was 3 years old. He did a skit with me in 1991, the album came out in 1992, the album was called Federal, and on the album the song was called Questions. He used to always ask me a lot of questions. So we did a skit with that. He was like, Daddy, where you get that money? Daddy are you a gangster?
He was always curious. So you know my thang, a closed mouth dont get fed and a lazy hustler dont get bread. You smell me? So I never had a problem with someone asking questions as a youngster because thats how I was. So we did a skit called Questions he was three years old. Then 3 years later, on my platinum album In a Major Way, he was six years old at that point, and he did a rap at 6 years old, rappin’ with his daddy on a song. He busted a hot 8 measures.
AllHipHop.com: (Laughs) yall are like Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr. Its like hip-hop generations. Whos to know what he is going to do if you decide to retire? He will continue the legacy in the Bay.
E-40: Youre right man. The thing about Droop-E is that Im his boss as his daddy, and hes my boss because I am signed to his label, which is Heavy on the Grind Entertainment, which is a distribution deal through EMI. We are both executive producers of both these albums, Revenue Retrieving Day Shift and Revenue Retrieving Night shift.
AllHipHop.com: So about 20 years in the game now, 12 solo releases up until this point.
E-40: Nah, its more than that. 22 years, my first record came out in 1988. I just added two more to my repertoire as well, that Revenue Retrieving Day and the Night shift. (Laughs) And I rap with a group the Click so you might as well add 3 more of then on to the thang.
AllHipHop.com: Yea man can you tell me about the Click and if you have any reunion plans coming up?
E-40: There is a reunion in the making right now. Let me tell you a little bit about the Click right quick man. Well we came out with a record and we were called MVP, which came out in 1998. E-40, B-Legit, D-Shot, Suga-T and we were one group. So in 1989, a year later we changed our name to the Click.
We were MVP in 1988, and we were the first ones to call ourselves the Click, and we were family orientated and we came with an EP called less ties. Then we came with an album called Down and Dirty. That particular album had the streets on lock. You see, we talked about stuff that real players, and hustlers and b###### and Gs and people in the streets that people could relate to. It was like that, people could relate to the messages, and it wasnt all negative either, we had police issues, we were saying s### like that back then. You know we covered every part of the game and then we started doing solo projects, and all of our projects were successful.
Its a long story, but our story is sick man and you know a lot of people favorite record label got their blueprints from Sick Wid It Records, and thats not talking bad, thats in a good way. I am happy for record labels that have prospered and blossomed since then. But I feel like there is enough money out there for everyone. You see the thing about me is that, Im not a playa hata, Im a money motivator.
AllHipHop.com: Theres that Bay Area swag (laughs) Different than any other place in the country.
E-40: Yea well theres no place like us man. We the Mecca of game. This is the nucleus, this is the main hub man. Come on man, this is natural like an apple, for us its easy. Its like, this is how we really are, we talk like this, this is regular conversation. The s### isnt staged.
AllHipHop.com: Thats dope man, with the longevity of your solo career and then the work with the group and your family, your own label Sick Wid It. It makes it easy to come out with an album that will be embraced by the streets. Come out with a double disk and its well received and selling independently.
E-40: Man, a rappers lifespan is probably like 5 years, maybe not even that. You can have a hot single and then that single fades away and then you never resurface again. Ive seen them come and go. Thats why I always try to tell people to be humble and to just do you, and just let your nuts hang over your shoulder with your talent. I know that everyone thinks that there is only one way to get on and thats to do the stand dont go outside your jurisdiction type of songs. Its like people always want to do the standard rap and the standard songs. Thats one thing that people took a liking to me, because I was unique and I was speaking real sh**t.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Peedi Crakk Gets Out, Kat Stacks Gets Dissed, Keepin’ It Real…Wrong!
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.PEEDI CRAKK IS OUT!
Jail sucks. I’m sure Peedi Crakk knows this, because he reportedly just got out of the bing!
[source]
If my memory serves me correctly, Peedi got arrested right after the State Prop reunion that AHH put together a couple years ago.
“I KNOW THINGS ABOUT PUFF”
Soooo…I was browsing through the Ill Community and I saw that Yung Joc said,” I know things about Puff.” I wonder what he knows, because he sure hasn’t said a lot. In fact, Joc was doing really good things on the indie side, but he seemed to run out of steam. I believe he is still technically on Bad Boy, but he’s not coming out with any music.
[source]PRAY FOR CROOKED I
– SLAUGHTERHOUSE IN CANADA
Shout out to my homey Mark S. from Canada. He hit me up about the Slaughterhouse and Pharaohe Monch show up top. He said that Crooked I was unable to make the show, because he has a family member in really bad health. They said we all need to pray for him. For some reason, Ortiz and Royce were clowning on Budden all night. I heard some goons were scheming on Royce, but a local Canada rapper stopped them from trying to do it. Rumor has it, a girl in Canada hired Joe for her birthday party. That’s what’s up. I heard he took Slaughterhouse and Monch with him. Meanwhile, they missed the DJ Premier and Pete Rock battle. Oh well!
MYSONNE DISSES THE NEW BOYZ?
I can’t lie. I didn’t watch all this, but I heard he disses The New Boyz and T.I. I’m sure he’s talking about skinny jeans and snitching.
G-DEP INTERVIEW
In light of the rehab rumors, I thought I’d let you see this one.
KAT STACKS GETS DISSED!!!!
Jack Thriller disses Kat Stacks.
OLD SCHOOL FAIL, WHEN KEEPIN’ IT REAL GOES WRONG
Peep this song “Yo’ Mama’s On Crack Rock”
PEEDI, 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].
Ice-T Tells Aimee Mann To ‘Eat a Bowl of D**ks’; Pair End Beef
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Ice-T has been engaged in a variety of beefs throughout his 30 plus-year rap career, but the one that took place this weekend could be the weirdest in his career. Ice-T has battled the number of worthy competitors ranging from LL Cool J to the (National Rifle Association) NRA .But on Friday (April 9), a war between Ice-T and Grammy Award winning singer Aimee Mann broke out, after the singer criticized Ice-Ts acting on the hit show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.Christ, there is no reason in the world anyone should ever have cast Ice T in a television show, Mann Tweeted on Friday. Ice-T immediately replied with the Tweet: Hey @aimeemann stop worrying bout my acting b***h, and worry about your WACK ass music. In the mean time.. Eat a hot bowl of D**ks! Ice T.Mann seemed to recognize her error when she Tweeted: Oh NOOOO!! Someone just told me that Ice T responded to my tweet about him!! THIS CAN’T BE GOOD!!! am not going to read it. I DO NOT WANT HIM MAD AT ME!!The pair went back and forth and some of Manns 8,000-plus friends defended her on Twitter from Ice-Ts Final Level Twitter Gang (FLTG). @NikkeSanni wrote: I respected u as an artist, actor, father & man. But not after ur comment to @aimeemann. Ur a played out bag of wet ass chunks.Mann issued an apology on her Twitter page to help calm the brewing war of Tweets between the two artists fans. He’s out there doing his job. He doesn’t need any heckling from the peanut gallery. So, I am sorry, Mr. T! You get out there and DO IT! Mann Tweeted. Ice-T accepted the apology and is going to let the beef die. OK. Homegirl apologized……. Say no more. FLTG Cease fire! Once again there’s Peace in Twitterland,” Ice-T Tweeted.
Nicki Minaj Fires Waka Flocka’s Mother As Her Manager
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Nicki Minaj has fired her manager Debbie Antney, who is the mother of Waka Flocka.
The termination happened suddenly and came in the form of a cease and desist letter, according to Singersroom News. The notices reportedly bans Antney from conducting business for Minaj.
“I received a letter, which was (a) suspension,” Antney said in a recent interview. “The next letter that came in was a cease and desist in doing all business with Nicki Minaj from Nicki’s attorney.”
Antney said there was no reason for the termination given.
She also indicated that she harbored no ill feelings towards her former client.
“I love Nicki. I wish her the most success. It’s not about the music, she’s like one of my children,” she said. “I wish her no harm, only much success.”
Nicki Minaj recently dropped off a tour with Rihanna to work on her own album.
Hip-Hop Rumors: The Game Vs Drake!!! KFC Fail! Swizzy’s Alleged Baby Mom Fails!
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.
THE GAME VS DRAKE!!!!
It would seem that The Game and Drizzy
Drake are going to square off on June 15! The Game and Drake, but have a release date for their albums on that day! I can PROMISE you somebody’s
going to be forced to stand down and change it. I said this the other day, that the game should be dropping in June, but it seems like it is now confirmed, according to Rap-Up.com. Furthermore, The Game (who I refuse to call Game) recently shot a new video for his song “Shake.” You already know that he’s been working with everybody, from The Neptunes to Dr. Dre.
JAHEIM ARRESTED!
Is weed still illegal? I had no idea. Anyway, the dude Jaheim reportedly got arrested for having some weed is his car. Apparently, he was caught riding dirty in his car, while driving 65 in a 35. As they always do, they smelled the powerful aroma of weed coming from the car and arrested dude. They need to arrest pharmaceutical companies for selling real drugs to people! Sheeeeeeeeeeeet! Don’t get me started.
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
Damn! Big Boi just had a listening party and has already gotten his wig pushed back to July? Is this some media tactic now?
Warner Bros has begun to take legal action against sites that do promotional mixtapes for free. Much of this centers around Gucci Mane.
Oprah Winfrey’s mother doesn’t have her cell phone number. LMAO!
Jaleel “Urkel” White had a baby with his girlfriend! I wonder if he said, “Did I do thaaaaaaaat?” I had to.
Nicki Minaj fired Waka Flocka’s mother, who was her manager. LOL!
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY
The lady claiming to be Swizz Beatz Russian baby moms has remade Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and fails miserable. The lady needs to go sit down somewhere.
REALLY KFC? SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END!
Ok, so I just stewed on this for a bit of time, because I couldn’t determine if it was real or not. This opinion is only illseed, so all you chicken eaters, be on notice.
Watch the Black man say, “Give me my chicken!” I love how they added the token White dudes in there when they know all they wanted was the Black one to serve this diabolical.”
There are going to be mass heart attacks all over the place. Maybe The Game, Drake and KFC and do a commercial so more people will eat this double down. They can cross promote it with the album releases! DRAKE, GAME AND KFC, 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].
Sphere.Inline.search(“U4RJN4PF”);
Iron Man 2: Busta Rhymes x Swizz Beatz
Here is the latest trailer to the looming Iron Man sequel.
Mayweather-Mosley Camp News, Berto, Hopkins Done with Golden Boy? Haye the Heavyweight Savior? Brother Naazim Interview Next Week!
Mayweather-Mosley Intensify Workouts, Random Blood Testing Underway
Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley are well underway with respective camps, and news is beginning to filter out on how both stars are progressing.
Starting with Mosley, there have been strong, persistent rumors that Shane is getting worked over in sparring sessions. This news reportedly comes from anonymous sources close to Shanes camp.
The rumor doesnt appear to have dimmed Mosleys confidence, who proclaimed to the media that he will not only be the first man to beat Mayweather, but be the fighter that delivers a career-ending beating.
“I was 38-0 with 35 knockouts when I stepped into the ring and lost for the very first time,” Mosley explained. “So when you say 40-0, that doesn’t mean a thing to me. All it means is that I’ll be the one giving him his first loss. No disrespect, but I really don’t think he’s been in there with a fighter like me, and I believe that when I beat Floyd, I will send him into retirement. May first will be May’s first loss.”
Fighter Karl Dynamite Dargan is in camp as a verified sparring partner. Cruiserweight titlist Steve Cunningham is also there, but it hasnt been confirmed that he is helping Shane with sparring.
Mosley is surprisingly at ease despite the pressure of such a big event, and it being his first fight since January 2009.
“I love Big Bear and have gotten very comfortable with the surroundings and the people who live up here,” Mosley stated. “It’s quiet, peaceful, the air is clean and the altitude can’t be beat. There is no other place that I could feel more relaxed and ready to prepare for a fight, particularly a big one like this.”
Over in Las Vegas, the news is consistent that Floyd Mayweather has looked phenomenal in his training sessions. This is normal for Floyd, who has a built a reputation for engaging in grueling workouts in preparation for all his fights.
However, an interesting note for this fight is that Mayweather has reportedly been knocking out his sparring partners.
Mayweather has only scored 1 knockout in his last 5 fights, which date back to 2006. This new focus on punching could yield explosive exchanges, and a surprise to Mosley and fans who are expecting Mayweathers usual safety-first approach.
“Floyd always trains with intensity and passion but this camp is unlike others in that he has a singleness of purpose and a focus that is phenomenal,” boasted Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe. “I can only imagine what is going to happen to Shane Mosley on May 1.”
Just last year, Floyd Mayweather berated Mosley on ESPN as a washed up fighter with multiple losses, and not worthy of his time. Now with the fight signed, Mayweather has finally acknowledged that the May 1 superfight may be his toughest challenge as a professional.
For this one it’s different. I recognize what Mosley brings to the ring and he’s going to be one hell of an opponent, Mayweather admitted. He’s one of the best fighters of this era and he’s been talking a lot about knocking me out. That is not going to happen and on May 1 people are going to see another side of me. I am ready to capitalize on this opportunity and come fight night I will leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that I am the best in the world.”
The much publicized random blood testing has begun for both fighters, although to date Mosley is the only one to have detailed his experiences.
The testing was agreed upon at the behest of Mayweather, and governed by the USADA (United States Anti Doping Agency). The issue was the main reason for the dissolution of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, when the latters camp refused to adhere to the testing for fears it would weaken their fighter.
Mosley detailed to Boxing Fanhouse that hes received 5 tests: 2 for blood and 3 for urine.
I could see how fighters would not like this, he reveled. I could see how fighters would not like to give blood and to be so-called harassed or to be on notice 24 hours a day, wherever you go. I could see how it could be bothersome. But at the same time, I kind of like it. It’s truly a good thing. I think that it’s great for the sport. It will change the mentality of a lot of fighters, and what they need to do to get themselves together and to get themselves in shape. I think that it’s great. Everybody knows that you’re clean.
The fighters have to make their whereabouts known to the USADA at all times. A positive find for any illegal substances can lead to suspension and criminal charges.
Catch more information on everything Mayweather-Mosley this weekend on HBO with the debut of 24/7:Mayweather-Mosley at 10Pm EST.
Naazim Richardson Coming to Knockout Nation
Mosleys trainer Nazim Richardson will be giving a thorough interview next week on the May 1 welterweight battle.
Affectionately known as Brother Nazim in boxing circles, attention to Richardsons skills as a trainer grew exponentially after laying out blueprints for Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley in respective dominating victories over Kelly Pavlik and Antonio Margarito.
Early next week, read as Nazim answers my questions on Mosley rumored sparring issues, how to beat Mayweather, and why its time for Hopkins to hang up the gloves.
Andre Berto Faces Carlos Quintana Tonight
With the triumvirate of Mayweather-Pacquiao-Mosley tied up, WBC belt holder Andre Berto has become the forgotten champion of the welterweight division. Hell look to change that this weekend in a dangerous comeback fight against Carlos Quintana.
Berto hasnt fought since last May, when he won a boring decision over undersized junior welterweight Juan Urango in what should have been a showcase bout (see Devon Alexanders job on Urango last month). Now, Berto is looking to bring some luster back to his name since unfortunately having to pull out of the biggest fight of his career in January against Shane Mosley, due to several family deaths in the Haiti earthquake.
Matchup-wise, Bertos speed is comparable with Quintana, but Carlos is by far the more accurate puncher, especially when it comes to counter shots. Neither are defensive wizards, but Quintana has a slight edge there since his footwork can usually get him out of trouble.
As I noted to Berto in our interview earlier this week, Miguel Cotto had considerable success in cutting off the ring and walking down Quintana with power shots. If Berto finds that he is the stronger man physically, than that is a good strategy to wear down Quintana. But, hed have to be cognizant of getting tagged flush with counters as he was against Luis Collazo last year.
I expect Carlos Quintana to give Berto a serious test in a very even fight. An upset wouldnt surprise me, but I believe Berto will get the benefit of the doubt in close rounds due to his aggression to take a close unanimous decision.
If you missed it, check out my Andre Berto interview HERE.
David Haye Building Buzz as Heavyweight Champion
The Klitschko brothers are two of the most imposing heavyweights in the divisions history, and for the last several years have been mowing down contenders with ease. And yet, fan and media interest in heavyweights is arguably at its lowest point in history.
Enter David Haye.
His knockout of John Ruiz has generated a lot excitement in boxing, with many now clamoring for the Klitschkos to face him. There were fights on the table last year with the brothers, but both fell through: Wladimirs fight disintegrated after Haye suffered a back injury in training, and the Vitali bout fell through because of contract issues.
In a recent interview on Sky Sports, Haye explained that he wants to be retired from boxing at 31, which roughly gives him 2 years to solidify his name at heavyweight. According to him, hes ready to face the brothers now and unify the titles.
Unfortunately, HBO nor Showtime has gotten behind Haye, which they should have done long ago. Hes a very exciting fighter, who pursues KOs and has enough vulnerability at his size to make his aggression risky. Aside from the Valuev snoozer, all of Hayes fights at heavyweight have been entertaining. Along with his outspokenness, you have a potential crossover star and a good foil for the stoic and dominant Klitschkos.
This leaves his management in a tough position.
Cash out against the Klitschkos now, or go for the Adamek-Arreola winner to get more U.S. exposure and make the Klitschkos showdown bigger. In addition, Haye would gain more leverage at the negotiating table.
Its a great problem to have. Id say go after to the Adamek-Arreola winner (another exciting slugfest no matter who wins) and then move on to the Klitschkos.
Your thoughts?
Bernard Hopkins At Odds with Golden Boy, Threatens to Leave
Bernard Hopkins has been hearing calls to retire following his abysmal decision win over Roy Jones last weekend. The Executioner wants a bout at heavyweight with fellow Golden Boy stablemate David Haye, but now appears to be contemplating leaving his company rather than hang up the gloves.
“Maybe the money’s not being made off me like its being made off somebody else,” Hopkins told ESPN. “If that’s the problem, then fine. I’ve got a lot of other promoters calling me as of today It’s gonna look strange to y’all when I’m moving in with [Bob] Arum or [Don] King. I don’t blame anybody for being a businessman. Just tell me, so I can do what’s right for my family, so you can’t blame me for going across the street. That’s all I’m saying.
In an interview going up next week on Knockout Nation, Hopkins trainer Naazim Richardson stated hed like to see Bernard retire as well, as hes done everything there is to do in the sport of boxing except lose badly.
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer also supported a Hopkins retirement, stating right after the Jones rematch that the Philly legend should serious review that option.
Hopkins was insulted by these suggestions. As hes done in the past, the Executioner said he will use these doubts in his current ability as motivation to once again prove the naysayers wrong.
“The thing is coming to a head based on my next move. Because my next move isn’t retirement. I have no reason to retire. Don’t tell me that he’s [David Haye] bigger, he’s stronger, Hopkins challenged. “They told [Evander] Holyfield that. You’re telling me that [I should retire] because of the Roy Jones fight? So, let’s play Devil’s Advocate, Richard Now you try to use the illegal hit on the back of the head to say that you won’t be a part of that [a Haye fight]?”
Not that Bernard Hopkins will listen to anyone else, but I fully agree with the opinions of Richardson and Schaefer. Hopkins has come to the end of the road. The only thing waiting for him at heavyweight is a KO from David Haye.
If they were the same size this could be entertained, but Hopkins frame isnt going to handle 200 plus pounds, something Naazim Richardson also expressed doubt to me about.
And lets face it, if Hopkins can fall out and see spots from those Jones rabbit punches, imagine what would happen if Haye clocks him with one like he did John Ruiz. Haye wouldnt tolerate Hopkins dirty inside tactics and respond in kind.
Bernard Hopkins has had a great career, but I suspect like many past greats he wont hang it up until hes pushed no, beaten out of the sport like the fates of Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, and Sugar Ray Leonard. Unfortunately, most champs dont have the foresight of others like Gene Tunney, Rocky Marciano, and Lennox Lewis.
Your thoughts?
News and Notes
– Timothy Bradley will face Marcos Maidana on June 19 in a premier junior welterweight showdown. Devon Alexanders camp has already questioned if Bradley is scared to face him over this decision.
– Antonio Margartio still refuses to take any blame in the illegal wraps scandal that resulted in his license being revoked in the United States. In a press conference earlier this week, he maintained the blame should fall on his trainer. He returns to the ring in Mexico on PPV against Robert Garcia on May 8.
– Ricky Hatton still hasnt made a decision on whether he will retire. The Hitman has turned down 2 recent fight proposals against Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez.
– Paulie Malignaggi is upping his taunts against opponent Amir Khan, scheduled for May 15. Get your offical Amir Con t-shirt directly from Paulies site.
– Arthur Abraham promoter Sauerland Event has filed a protest over their fighter being disqualified for punching Andre Dirrell while he was down on March 27. The protest also mentions referee Laurence Cole missing a knockdown that Abraham scored in the 10th, and states Dirrell should have gotten warnings for multiple low blows.
– Audley Harrison won the European heavyweight title by KOing Michael Sprott in the last round on Friday night (April 9). Harrison fought through a ripped tendon in his right shoulder, and was behind going into the last round. This was a revenge win for Harrison, who was KOd by Sprott in 3 rounds in 2007.
Joe Young Ft. Lil Wayne & Bunjii
“We Alright Rock Remix”
Shyne To Drop New Single Next Tuesday
(AllHipHop News) Shyne is gearing up to release the first official single from his upcoming album via a new deal between his Gangland Records, and Island/Def Jam. According to reports, Shyne will drop the single next Tuesday (April 13th), making it his first new single in almost 10 years. In February, Shyne inked a seven-figure deal with Island/Def Jam and began recording his album in Belize, where IDJ CEO L.A. Reid hosted a press conference announcing the new business deal. Shyne is barred from entering the United States and was not allowed to enter the United Kingdom in February, due to his criminal record. Shyne, aka Moses Leviy, was released from prison in October of 2009, after serving over 9 years in prison for his role in a nightclub shootout in 1999, involving Bad Boy Records CEO Sean Diddy Combs and his then girlfriend Jennifer Lopez. Shyne was supposed to be featured on DJ Khaleds album Victory, but the track, named All My Life, featuring Akon and Mavado, was dropped for legal reasons. According to reports, Shyne is collaborating with Scott Storch, who is said to be producing a large portion of the album.He is also working with producer Coptic, who has confirmed that he created a track for Shyne titled Hand on My 45.
JD Era: Reign Of Era
Something
has to be said for those artists North of the Border, they put the work in.
Vying for radio love on Canadas only urban station is a battle in itself, but
getting the folks down south and across the water to open their ears to your
product can make even the strongest man falter.
But
when you put JD Era under the spotlight, you conclude that this disciple of
Hip-Hop is determined to make sure those doors opened by the likes of Kardinal
Offishall, KoS, Swollen Members and his home-boy Drake stay open. This is not
a passing phase for JD, he isnt doing this because he cant do anything else,
repping Toronto and creating music is simply what he enjoys the most.
Upon
recognizing that this was the path he was going to take, JD ERA set to
infiltrating the streets with a collection of mixtapes. His most recent Th1rt3en has been welcomed by fans and
critics a1like. It gives folks a chance to gravitate to the consistency he
exudes and at the same time anticipate the as of yet untitled album which he
will be releasing later this year through his own imprint.
As
competent in the boardroom as he is in the booth, JD Era is proof that the
crème de la crème from T-Town doesnt necessarily need that major label love.
They are just going to get on and do it anyway.Music:Th1rt3en Mixape“Champagne Nights”
AllHipHop.com: Was rapping always the plan?
JD Era: Well as a kid I always used to do MC
battles and was always good at it. So it took over because it was what I was
always doing.
AllHipHop.com:
What was it that made you realize it was going to be more of a
profession as opposed to a hobby?
JD Era:
When I was doing more music stuff than anything else. I mean I played
ball too and when it started taking over everything it took over my life and it
was all I was focusing on.
AllHipHop.com:
Were you parents supportive?
JD Era:
Yeah they were. I have Ghanaian parents so their focus is school, school
and school. So at first it was like they were saying there was no future in it.
But they are definitely 100% behind it now and I have a good family.
AllHipHop.com:
Were you born in Toronto or Ghana?
JD Era:
I was born in Toronto.
AllHipHop.com:
There is quite a big Ghanaian population in Toronto isnt there?
JD Era:
Yeah, there is a big community in Toronto. It is such a multi-cultural
place Toronto and for my parents there was just so much opportunity here.
AllHipHop.com:
Now you have just released your new mixtape, Th1rt3en, what has the response been so far?
JD Era:
So far it has been crazy and I have been pleased that all the feedback
has been positive. The haters have been quiet [laughs]. Yeah they have been
silent. I am feeling blessed right now and I am enjoying this and building off
it.
AllHipHop.com:
Is there a lot resting on this tape?
JD Era:
Not so much because I have a lot of music tucked away as I am in the
studio a lot and its a case with this tape that people know there is a
movement happening. There is talent in Toronto that people need to hear and we
chose to go hard with it and show the world.
AllHipHop.com:
It came out through Black Market Music Group right?
JD Era:
Yes thats my organization, me and my cousin Fase.
AllHipHop.com:
Are you looking to do what Drake did by signing an out of country deal?
JD Era:
We are independent, so it is more about looking for distribution. The
mixtapes have opened a lot of doors already and I am open to everything right
now and just looking to see what is out there for us.
AllHipHop.com:
Has the indie route always been the plan for you?
JD Era:
Yeah because we come from a mixtape background, so our mentality is do
it yourself . If you are doing it on your own, you make sure the people hear
it and thats how weve always operated. No point in changing it now, thats
the way to go.
AllHipHop.com:
So if someone waved a big check at you from a major, what then?
JD Era:
Of course I am not a fool, but at the same time if it doesnt happen it
isnt going to slow my grind.
AllHipHop.com:
Weve watched the decline of big deals over the last ten years, is this
why you chose to do it your way?
JD Era:
That and the Internet changed the game. I am definitely one of the
people who have seen the changes and Drakes mixtape being so big, it wasnt a
surprise to me; I saw all the signs for that to happen. I have a bit of a
different perspective being from Toronto and seeing all the groundwork we were
putting in. I love the fact that I can use the Internet as a tool to reach a
bunch of different people and places. You know youre interviewing me from the
UK for a US site; the Internet makes it so much easier for the music to
communicate as well as us.
AllHipHop.com:
Was the mixtape route you keeping you in tune with the streets?
JD Era:
Yeah and thats how it started. We came up in the streets and I actually
remember coming out to the UK to push my first mixtape, Black Market Volume 1 and that was six years ago. I met Shortee
Blitz and was on his show, so I have always been a person who is out pushing
their music; my team is always out with the people as that is how we started
out.
AllHipHop.com:
Was it understanding how important a global fan base was that encouraged
you to travel to places like England?
JD Era:
What I love about the UK is that you were open to listening to the
music. Its a little different in the US in terms of getting people to take a
good listen to your music and give you an actual chance. You are open to music
plus you do so much different stuff. I love the Drum n Bass and the Garage.
AllHipHop.com:
Has the US been a hard market for you to tap into?
JD Era:
Yes, its been a gradual thing and it has been like the UK in the sense
that you have to put in your work into breaking into markets. Plus they are
open to the music a lot more nowadays, which is good. I think that is part of a
generation change as well. With my generation of music we have the Kid Cudis,
the B.o.Bs; they are doing Hip-Hop a bit different to the traditional style
and I think people appreciate that.
AllHipHop.com:
You have a BG alum on your tape and a long time fave of mine Freddy
Gibbs. How did you hook up with Freddy?
JD Era:
Gibbs is crazy. I hooked up with him through the kid who does my
artwork, Heinze, he is a huge fan of Freddie Gibbs. When he first him me up
about him he told me there was another rapper that looked like me, because
theres not that many dark rappers. So I was like whatever and that was how
it started out. He asked Gibbs management if he could jump on the record and he
did and he killed it. Gibbs verse on that track is crazy.
AllHipHop.com:
And on Don Cannon beat.
JD Era:
Yeah had to go big with that one [laughs]. Shout out to the kid. I
connected with Cannon through someone else who works for me. He got me some
beats and when Cannon heard the record he co-signed it.
AllHipHop.com:
Have you faced many obstacles thus far in your career?
JD Era:
Every day is an obstacle until everyone else has heard the music and
that is how it is going to be. But I guess one of the challenges has been
breaking into the US market. Everything comes in good time and with work. I am
just going to keep on working over here, nothing stops.
AllHipHop.com:
Coming from the mixtape era but with a strong Internet presence, how
influential have the blogs been on breaking you, as some say they have
literally replaced the DJs?
JD Era:
They definitely helped a lot but you cant deny the importance and
relevance of the DJ playing your record in a club. As much as people are
getting it and putting it on their IPods, a big record is a record that is
being played everywhere. So you need the DJ just as much as you need the blogs.
They are both good ways to get the music out but you cant cut the DJ out.
AllHipHop.com:
Securing airplay in Toronto is pretty tough right?
JD Era:
Yes for some people but the issue is that we dont have many Hip-Hop
stations. There is only one urban station in all of Canada and if you are on it
youre on it and if you are not on it, then you have to make some Top 40 music.
AllHipHop.com:
Was it easy for you to make those hits to get you airplay?
JD Era:
I think because I came into the game really young, I got to see a lot of
things and understand the music business while I was getting better with the
music. So from early on I got to see how radio works and because of that I took
it upon myself to figure out how that all works. I mean its still a grind.
They are receptive to new artists and new music which is why I have been
blessed. There could be a lot more radio stations, which would encourage out
scene a lot. There is a good energy going on right now in Toronto and people
are putting in work right now and it is good to see the results. Kardinal has
opened the door and set the pace for us but not we are seeing it a little
differently.
AllHipHop.com:
He is on the new Estelle joint, is that something we can see you doing
on your impending album, a few collabos?
JD Era:
I got a couple of joints, the Bobby Valentino joint Cover Girl, which
I am holding on to. But some things will start to surface soon.
AllHipHop.com:
When is the album scheduled?
JD Era:
Looking at summertime. We are just working over the plan for the album
right now. You know we push the tape out to a great response and now we are
going to breathe for a minute, then get back into the studio and it will all be
figured out.
AllHipHop.com: Like you said there is a great energy in
Toronto now, so egos havent kicked in yet?
JD Era: Yeah definitely; everyone sees the
potential and no one wants to be the idiot that ruined it [Laughs]. I hope no
one is dumb enough to do that. Thats a warning [laughs].
Please Visit JD Era at:twitter.com/JDERAwww.myspace.com/jdera
Dr. Dre Hints at Kraftwerk Inspiration on Detox
With the long-awaited first single from Detox set to debut later this month, Dr. Dre has alluded to several possible musical influences on the project. In an interview with Reuters, the acclaimed producer disclosed his focus has been on studying the avant-garde artists of the 1960s and 70s. “I’m just keeping my ear to the concrete, Dre revealed. I’ve been listening to a lot of old 60s and 70s music. Things like Kraftwerk, and Parliament Funkadelic. I’ve really been listening to a lot of Kraftwerk. The work of the Germany-based Kraftwerk in the 70s and early 80s were important building blocks for the emerging culture of Hip-Hop. Their innovative use of synthesizers and robotized vocals on the songs Trans-Europe Express and Numbers formed the sampling foundation for many Hip-Hop records, such as Afrika Bambaataas seminal 1982 single Planet Rock. “Kraftwerk had a really big inspiration on the beginning of Hip-Hop, Dre continued. My tastes change with the season. Right now it’s Kraftwerk. I’ll see what happens this summer.” While Dr. Dre has extensively sampled and worked with George Clintons Parliament Funkadelic on previous tracks such as Let Me Ride (Mothership Connection), Dre Day (Knot Just (Knee Deep)), and B###### Aint S### (Adolescent Funk), the Compton native has not extensively utilized Kraftwerks music before. The bands work can also be heard in songs from Jay-Z (Its Alright, Sunshine), Kool G Rap (Rhymes I Express), De La Soul (Ghetto Thang), and MC Lyte (Cha Cha Cha). Detoxs Jay-Z assisted Under Pressure single features additional production credits from Scott Storch and No I.D, and vocals from Ester Dean. It’s expected to drop within the next two weeks.