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Pill Talks Culinary Skills; Cooking Up New Mixtape

(AllHipHop News) Atlanta rapper Pill is hard at work on The Medicine, his major label debut for Asylum Records.

 

And while most fans recognize Pill for his verses on Killer Mike’s I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II and his single “Trap Going Ham.”

 

“[I cook] everything,” Pill told AllHipHop.com. “Chicken, corn bread, collard greens- a lot of southern dishes, like Macaroni. It was just a love of mines at an early age. All the guys in the family can cook.”

 

The Atlanta native said he received his culinary education through backyard barbeques and family gatherings.

 

“As a younger guy growing up, when you saw your uncles and them throwing fish fries and barbeques every other week day, you wanted to be the one on the grill because the one on the grill is the one with authority- better yet the one in the kitchen is the one with authority,” Pill reasoned. “It’s a prestigious quality that you embrace when you can actually cook in my family. If you can cook, you can basically get any woman you want.”

 

According to Pill, he has recorded with a variety of artists that may be featured on The Medicine, including Mark Ronson and Bun B and hopes to grab cameos from label mates Gucci Mane, Cam’ron and Lil Boosie.

 

“I look forward to working with all of them because they speak the same s**t I speak,” Pill continued. “I think it will be more relatable to the people if a group of guys like us can get on a track together and actually paint our pictures. It’s an honor to be on the same label as those guys.”

 

Pill is currently planning to release his mixtape 1140: The Overdose, prior to his major label release The Medicine.

Former Scott Storch Home Sold to Rockstar Energy Drink Maker

(AllHipHop News) The former home of producer Scott Storch is off the market.

 

According to reports, Storch’s waterfront 20,000 square foot Palm Island mansion has been purchased by Rockstar Energy Drink.

 

Noted for its 100-foot boat dock, 11 master suite bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, three guest houses and two pools, the estate has hosted a number of Miami Beach’s exclusive parties and events.

 

Storch maintained residence at the home until financial problems forced the mansion into foreclosure in July 2009.

 

The estate, which was reportedly valued at around $7 million, was purchased the following month at an auction by SunTrust Bank for $5.5 million.

 

Best known for his work on the hit 2004Terror Squad song, “Lean Back,” Storch encountered a string of financial setbacks that resulted in the loss of his mansion.

 

Prior to the start of his troubles in 2006, Storch was one of the highest paid producers in music with collaborations with artists such as Nas, T.I., Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre and Game to his credit as well as Beyonce, Pink and Christina Aguilera.

 

Despite his success, Storch fell victim to a $30 million cocaine habit that nearly took its toll on his career and life.

 

The downward spiral continued in 2008 as the beat maker reportedly fell behind on child support payments that, which resulted in a warrant for his arrest for failure to appear at a child support hearing.

 

That same year, Storch owed more than $500,000 in late property taxes.

 

In addition, the producer spent much of the money he earned from producing on a lavish lifestyle that included luxury cars, recreational drugs, frequent trips on private jets and a 117-foot yacht. Storch, who eventually kicked his drug habit, is looking to reestablish himself among his peers.

 

The producer is currently working on a reality show chronicling his recovery from drug use.

 

He is also collaborating on projects involving rappers Shyne and Gucci Mane in addition to R&B singers Usher and Jennifer Hudson.

Omarion: The Business, The Music, The Growth

It must be an Ollusion, singer Omarion has grown before us bringing hits and dance moves that are imitiated in clubs and dance competitions. He has moved from the cloud of former boy band member to successful artist, dancer, writer and until recently judge on America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC).

His latest album Ollusion dropped January 12 and he says this is his best work.  “Up until my last solo album it was a kind of a struggle between the label and myself because they envisioned me one way and I envisioned myself the other way,” he tells AllHipHop.com. “Musically, I have pretty good songs, the influence on the album has been in two parts, and this work on my third solo project is completely me.” He is moving forward, continuing to work harder, and bringing a “won’t stop…can’t stop” attitude along the way.

AllHipHop.com: The tracks that caught my ear off your new album were Kinkos, What Do You Say and Wet–where are you taking the fans next with songs such as these?

Omarion: Well, really those creative concepts, like Wet and those others you named are directed at my fans like Icebox, these little titles are interesting which people could say hmm—I wonder what that is about.

 AllHipHop.com: In the album credits you wrote and co-produced the album, how does it feel to have such artistic liberties and freedoms?

Omarion: It feels like a new pair of shoes. Like a new pair of Jordan’s, something classic like Jordan IV’s brand-new out the box. You really don’t want to get too close to anybody, because you don’t want them to step on your shoes. I am super happy. I am excited because, Omarion will forever stay around and will forever grow as an artist.

 AllHipHop.com: You have own label imprint–Starworld Entertainment tell me about the concept behind it, how long was in the works, and what other ventures or ideas are coming next from the label?

Omarion: Starworld is an idea I had. When I look at shows like the Grammy’s and different things on TV; everything has become so political. It’s about your publicist making sure you’re at the right place, at the right time around the right party. It’s not about what it was built on back in the day and that was respect, creativity and individuality. It’s like you hear the radio and people keep creating songs that have already been created. I feel like I want to teach what my teachers have taught me and that is to have individuality, that’s to be creative and be yourself and there are only a handful of artists out there who actually have a voice. The idea (record label) came very fast. It’s kind of one of those things you write out and you have the patience going towards those things. The label situation seems like it happened overnight. It came about as a thought. It wasn’t that long, it was barely a month. The deal was everyone knew the Young Money situation, the opportunity came up that I could have my own label. I’ve always had a passion for teaching and giving my knowledge. When the idea came about it was like—WOW!!! Now I get the opportunity to have my own chance, my own company and for people to see what I am thinking and the artists I see fit for the industry. It was quick, that’s the deal let’s do it!

 AllHipHop.com: Now that you have your own label, what are some the major changes and differences that you have or are experiencing?

Omarion: The business side is tough as an artist as a singer you’re taught to be emotional because when you’re in the studio you have to deal with those emotions. The emotional aspect isn’t involved in the business part. All of my career, at times I was never able to express myself. In business, you have to recognize expressing yourself might not always be the best thing at times or it might not be the right time. The business part of it is really interesting. I’ve always been involved with it but now I am involved for real I can see the transition: the way people are, the expectations and all the little fun things artists don’t have to deal with.  But, when you are dealing with business and the outcome, it’s very blunt and to the point; people may not be as honest and having to deal with people who laugh you along. These are things I have seen but having to deal with it in the forefront is interesting–it’s exciting.

 AllHipHop.com: I don’t want to offend you, but could you please clarify the disputes about how many albums you sold in the first week and what the actual number was?

Omarion: I actually don’t know, the for sure what the number was. I heard it was 22,000 or 19,000. Whether it was any of those I assure you that first album sales really doesn’t really matter. Timbaland’s first album Shockvalue came out it sold 40,000 the first week and now its like four million sold. For all the people who think that first album sales matter– it’s about a consistent song on the radio. I came out in a really interesting time with all the stuff going on in Haiti and that devastation. I could give you a lot of business reasons for why I may not have had the opportunity to sell as many albums as I have sold in the past but it is not something that bothers me—it is a consistent album. It is my best work. A week’s sales doesn’t define my length, my endurance, nor my outcome of me stopping. 

AllHipHop.com: What is your ultimate goal in the realm of music, acting and business ownership?

Omarion: I have a lot of different goals. I hope to inspire those under me and watching me.                                            

AllHipHop.com: What boundaries are you going to push as you continue to grow in music?

Omarion: That you can be an individual, you can be yourself, you can have an opinion and you don’t have to be with the majority all the time. Say what you feel; people might disagree with you but that is what life is about; life is about doing what’s you feel is in your heart. I will continue to make music and be happy.

AllHipHop.com: What other projects do you have in the pipeline? Ex. acting, mixtapes and etc.

Omarion: I became the new judge on ABDC (America’s Best Dance Crew). I am going out for the MVJ and that is the Most Valuable Judge. I’ve got some movies in the pipeline I can’t really talk about now. Definitely more music, you will guys will be hearing from some of my artists. I plan on opening a dance studio at the end of the year. I have so many creative ideas. I won’t stop. I can’t stop.

AllHipHop.com: Are there any current or upcoming tours?

Omarion: I am putting together some tours now with myself and some of my peers. I will be hitting the road come summertime.

 AllHipHop.com: I read in your biography you released an autobiography titled “O” several years ago, what exactly did it cover and was it difficult putting together?

Omarion: A lot of people were shocked that I wrote an autobiography at such a young age. But I started when I was 14 and put a book out when I was 21 or 22. I have seen a lot. I have been through a lot. I am still scratching the surface. I still feel like I have the opportunity to write from a young man’s point of view, it comes from my history: single parent, a mom, four kids, being in school, coming up in LA, having to watch the gang scene and being apart of that and having to get out of that. People don’t know!

 AllHipHop.com: Let’s change gears and discuss rumors and about former B2K band mate issues: How do you feel about Raz B signing to reality star Tila Tequila’s label?

Omarion: I never really keep up with everything that they have going on. I wish them good luck I wish them the best and that is all I have to say about B2K.

 AllHipHop.com: You left Young money and Lil’ Wayne what was behind that move and are you guys cool?

Omarion: To sum it up, Wayne and me just had different ideas. Wayne is a boss, I am a boss, I am a driver, he is a driver but there is only one steering wheel in the car. At the end of day we just really had separate visions. In respect to what he does, their obviously doing their thing I wish them great love.  There is a lot of talent coming out of Young Money, at the end of the day it is business, it’s nothing personal, it is still all love.

 AllHipHop.com: Growing up what was your favorite Nickelodeon show?

Omarion: All That, I enjoy cartoons more than anything—Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny, Pinky & The Brain, Batman, Tin Tin and Japanese anime.            

 AllHipHop.com: What food do you dislike the most?

Omarion: Uncooked food. I’ve been to China and seen the food and was like there is no way I am eating that. I like sushi but that has a purpose.

 AllHipHop.com: What is one of the funniest or most embarrassing things you have done during an interview?

Omarion: Well, um the most embarrassing and its kind of funny too, I was overseas and I fell asleep during an interview. They were overworking me and I was really comfortable and I fell asleep. When I woke-up I was like I am sorry man. It was embarrassing and funny.

 AllHipHop.com: What scares you the most?

Omarion: I am not afraid of anything. I walk with a higher power (as a Jehovah’s Witness). If I were to be afraid of anything it would be for my family and friends for their well being more than anything. Those things that are out my power those are things that make me jittery or uncomfortable.

 AllHipHop.com: I can’t get over the fact that you are becoming a Jehovah’s Witness, when will that be official and how will that impact your music?

Omarion: I go back to when Michael Jackson was a Jehovah witness. It (being a Jehovah’s Witness) will change my approach to music. It will change my representation and I will probably be getting baptized in a year or two. It is an important step for my life.

 AllHipHop.com: Being a Jehovah’s Witness is a lifetime commitment; do you see yourself tapping into gospel music?

Omarion: Uum…I don’t know about that. I enjoy gospel music. I don’t know if I would step into gospel music, it is kind of cliché.

 

Yo Gotti Announces ‘Live From The Kitchen Tour’

(AllHipHop News) Memphis rapper Yo Gotti has announced that he will launch the 15-date Live From the Kitchen 2010 Tour to support his upcoming album of the same.

 

The tour kicks off March 5 in Charleston, South Carolina and will make stops in markets like Orlando, Baltimore, Little Rock, Jackson, Mississippi and others.

 

“The tour came about because I always wanted to do a small tour to feel more of a connection with the fans,” Yo Gotti said of the tour. “They presented the proposal, I was most definitely interested in it, this tour will promote my album also called Live from The Kitchen.

 

Live From the Kitchen is Yo Gotti’s first official release since Back 2 da Basics, which was released in 2006.

 

“I have been putting out mix tapes for a long time and it has been a few years since my last commercial album, this tour is all about the album and will get fans ready for the album,” Yo Gotti said. “I am looking forward to sharing my “reality-music” with the fans.”

 

Live From The Kitchen is due in stores March 23, 2010.

 

Tour dates are listed below:

 

March 5 – Charleston, South Carolina – Club Kush March 7 – Orlando, Florida – Club Destiny March 14th – Nashville, Tennessee – Municipal AuditoriumMarch 26th – Baltimore, Maryland – Sonar April 1st – Little Rock, Arkansas – Robinson Auditorium April 2nd – Knoxville, Tennessee – Knoxville Auditorium April 3rd – Chattanooga, Tennessee – Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium April 4th – St. Louis, Missouri – Chaifetz Arena April 8th – Jacksonville, Florida – Club Plush April 16th – Jackson, Mississippi – TBA April 17th – Mobile, Alabama – Mobile Civic Center April 23rd – Akron, Ohio – Akron Civic Center April 24th – Dayton, Ohio – Hara Arena May 1st – Indianapolis, Indiana – Murat Theatre

Hip-Hop Rumors: Did Rap Ruin “We Are The World” Remake? Nas Goes At Kelis! MF Doom Back To Old Tricks?

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 DAILY TWO SENSE

 Shooting hoops with Mark Cuban!

Honestly, I’m getting nothing CRAZY from All-Star. What did you hear? Hit me up [email protected].

 

Contest! Click  here for a dope contest that can win you an iPod Touch from Full Sail University.

 

NAS GOES AT KELIS ON NEW SONG

 

What do you think of this line Nas said:

 

 “How in the hell am I supposed to stay comfy/ When I pay child support, alimony monthly….”

 

“So I’ve stuck with some married women so fine, cheating while their husband rushing on the 40-yard line/ Wonder if this is what my ex did the whole time….”

 

 

DID RAPPERS RUIN “WE ARE THE WORLD 25”?????

 

You have to ask it!

QuestionsView Results

 

 

 

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

 

I’m hearing Gabrielle Union and D-Wade were around each other a lot in Dallas. Big damn deal!

 

Michael Jordan is rumored to be buying a majority stake in the Bobcats!

 

I always thought Usher was moving into those big shoes left by another MJ, but is he falling off?

 

Vivica Fox is now a resident of Miami. She’s left Hollywood.

 

Wocka Flocka told Whoo Kid, “I don’t got no lyrics.”  SMH.

 

Angela Simmons is engaged to the Play-n-Skillz dude? OK…

 

 

MF DOOM AT IT AGAIN?

 

I can’t re-write this stuff. Here you go…peep what the homey sent me”

 

What’s good ILLSEED? Got some “rumors” from Chicago comin your way.

 

There’s been mad promotion and hype for this “MOSDOOM” tour which has DOOM headlining with the tagline “featuring Mos Def.” Rumors of DOOM (formerly known as MF DOOM/Daniel Dumile/Zev Love X) sending imposters to perform in his place has been circulating since 2007, but most people figured this time would be different since Mos is involved.  The tour was supposed to kick off in Chicago on January 29th at the Congress Theater but got moved back to February 13th.  First off the venue was highly unorganized and had people waiting in a WILL CALL line for over an hour outside in the freezing cold.  How can you have people who already paid waiting to get in for almost 2 hours?

 

Some people even left the line outside forfeiting their money, and the mood didn’t get any better inside.  S### got stalled, sound was horrible, and people waited from 7pm till after midnight before Mos Def finally hit the stage.  He wore a gold mask and half of his set consisted of him rapping DOOM’s songs!  The other half was mostly new tracks and maybe 2 old ones, but his set was only around 30 minutes long. Over five hours for a short ass set then “DOOM” finally hit the stage.

 

Most of the people in the front row said the skinny, short man behind the mask was NOT DOOM and everyone in the venue got to hear whoever was on stage LIP SYNCH his whole 20 minute set.  He didn’t address the crowd at all and it was obvious that the only person doing anything live on stage was the 6’6’’ hype man (the dj didn’t even use his turntables/laptop.)  Bottles was thrown the whole night but most of the crowd either left or was too tired from the 7 hour ordeal to complain or riot (which was probably a good thing.)

 

All I know is that most people are saying that DOOM ain’t welcome in Chicago anymore, and at the very least his shows will no longer be supported.  Some people are even mad at Mos.  Either way it looks like THE VILLAIN strikes again and made off with the loot.

 

 PHOTO OF THE DAY

 

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

 

Kevin Smith is a legendary filmmaker, especial for the aspiring person. Well, the dude delivered a speech and headed out from Oakland when he left the MacWorld convention. Well, dude was somehow considered TOO FAT TO FLY. Foul! Kevin let Southwest Airlines have it on Twitter. He also said that his fatness didn’t break any rules. According to the airline regulation, as long as both armrests go down, YOU GOOD! LOL. Looks like Southwest is just trying to get big people to buy additional seats. Kevin said they did the same thing to another heavyweight women on his flight. They offered him a $100 voucher for his woes. Now what is he supposed to do with that? So, is the fail with South West of Kevy Kevin Smith?

 

LADY GAGA: ILLUMINATI QUEEN?

 

Hey, what can I say? It’s a slow afternoon. LOL!

 

 

 

GAGA, 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].

DJ Premier Producing New MC Eiht Album ‘Which Way Is West’

(AllHipHop News) East coast production wizard DJ Premier has announced a new project with West Coast rap legend MC Eiht, of Compton’s Most Wanted.

 

DJ Premier will executive produce MC Eiht’s upcoming 11th album, titled Which Way Is West.

 

In addition to executive production duties on Which Way Is West, DJ Premier will release the album on his independent label, Year Round Records.

 

In addition to DJ Premier, Which Way Is West will feature production by Marco Polo and other upcoming producers, as well as appearances by Year Round artists NYGz.

 

MC Eiht rose to fame as a member of gangsta rap group Compton’s Most Wanted, who released three classic albums, It’s a Compton Thang, Straight Checkn ‘Em and Music to Driveby.

 

He also had a starring role in the movie Menace II Society, which produced the single “Streiht Up Menace.”

 

MC Eiht has released albums consistently throughout the past 15 years, including his last release Affiliated, which hit stores in 2006.

 

Which Way Is West is due in stores this Summer.

 

Download the sampler here: http://usershare.net/9ntnnhdwnalp

Jay-Z Explains “We Are The World 2010” Turn Down

(AllHipHop News) Jay-Z has revealed the motive behind his absence from last Friday’s (February 12) star-studded “We Are the World 25 for Haiti” record.

 

The charity single remake was executive-produced by the trio of Quincy Jones, Lionel Ritchie, and Wyclef Jean. Like the 1985 original, it was a prodigious gathering of over 80 musicians from various genres.

 

Hip-Hop artists such as Lil Wayne, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, and Kanye West were featured prominently in solo and chorus duties.

 

Because of his many outreach efforts over the years in Africa (water shortage crisis) and with Hurricane Katrina, many were surprised that Jay-Z did not lend his talents to the track.

 

The Brooklyn native explained to MTV News that while he supported the motivation behind the project, he was uncomfortable with seeing a legendary work tampered with.

 

“I know everybody is gonna take this wrong: ‘We Are the World,’ I love it, and I understand the point and think it’s great,” Jay reasoned. “But I think ‘We Are the World’ is like [Michael Jackson’s] Thriller to me. I don’t ever want to see it touched.”

 

Jay-Z developed a friendship with Jackson in the early 2000s through several collaborations.

 

They exchanged guest spots in 2001 with Jackson singing backup on Blueprint’s “Girls Girls Girls,” and Jay-Z laying a verse on the Trackmaster’s “You Rock My World Remix.”

 

That same year, Jackson was Jay-Z’s surprise special guest at Hot 97’s annual Summer Jam.

 

At press time, Jay-Z is promoting his latest album with Young Jeezy and Trey Songz as part of the Blueprint 3 2010 tour.

AHH Stray News: 50 Cent, Travis Barker, Jay-Z

(AllHipHop News) 50 Cent’s Cheetah Vision Films started filming Love Me, Love Me Not, in West Michigan this week. According to Fox 17, 50’s company is shooting the movie at Grand Valley State University football stadium in Allendale. According to reports, the movie centers around a football player who has been diagnosed with cancer. 50 Cent will return on Wednesday (February 17) to finish shooting the film. Shooting on the film will also take place for three more weeks in West Michigan starting in May.

 

Travis Barker has lined up a number of Hip-Hop heavyweights for his upcoming solo album. Spinner.com reports that Lil Wayne, Beanie Sigel, Swizz Beatz and The RZA will be featured on the album, which is an eclectic mix of Punk Rock, Hip-Hop, Electro and other genres of music. “I’m not singing or being an MC or anything,” Barker said. “Over the last five years, when Blink wasn’t around, I played a lot by myself or did a whole bunch of stuff with just me. Whether I was playing with T.I. or doing whatever, it just opened another world for me.” No release date was available for Barker’s album.

 

Jay-Z will headline the Wireless Festival in London’s Hyde Park this year for the second time in two years. Jay-Z, who was also the headline event for The Wireless Festival in 2008, will close the weekend festival on Sunday, July 4. The appearance at The Wireless Festival is part of a series of dates Jay-Z is slated to play in the UK this summer. On June 7, Jay-Z He will headline at the Manchester Arena, followed by a date at the Birmingham LG Arena on June 9.

Black History Month Fashion Tribute: Kelis

 

Anything goes when it come to Kelis‘ unpredictable style.

 

On her latest silver-ish mullet, “Oh, I don’t know, I just feel like an animal. I kept thinking of a wolf or a husky and that’s what they look like”.

 

 

Along with others, she herself takes the credit for being a style leader, influencing the likes of Rihanna and Cassie to make their bold hair and outfit choices.

 

Kelis has occasionally wowed us with more demure, sexy red carpet looks, but most of the time her ensembles are labeled as outrageous or fashion “faux-pas”.

 

Some of her signature looks include the (original) half shaven head, her bouncy brown afro, Etta James-esque blond locks, and of course her grill.

 

 

 

 

 

She joined her ex-hubby Nas on rocking the controversial “Ni**er” jacket during the 2008 Grammys.

 

 

Being pregnant did not stop Kelis from dying her hair blue and green and making bold red carpet statements:

 

 

Kelis recently infuriated PETA with this outfit choice:

 

 

Kelis’ response? “If u want to preach, do it about something worthwhile don’t waste my time trying to save the dang chipmunk.” (via MySpace)

 

After PETA wrote her a letter about it, she proceeded to write a controversial response back, pointing out issues like Women’s Rights, Equal Rights and most importantly, “Freedom of Opinion” as issues that mean more than killing “rodents”.

 

Her most recent space age meets

 

Check out this recent video interview of Kelis, talking about her upcoming album, Rihanna “swagger jacking” her look and more:

 

Hip-Hop Rumors: Is Floyd Vs. Ross Really Over? Baby Disses R. Kelly! Coco’s Booty=Haitian Relief?

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 DAILY TWO SENSE

I hope everybody had a good weekend with the Valentine’s Day with the cherry on top. Me, I just sat in the house and watched TV. But its all good. If you got any rumors from Dallas, hit me with the email…. [email protected]

FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND RICK ROSS: NO LOVE?

You know the internets were going crazy last week, right before the Valentine’s Day holiday…Rick Ross had squashed their beef! Hallelujah! But, I am hearing something a bit different. I am hearing they mostly agreed not to fight or kill each other. 50 Cent won’t soon think is pal Floyd is now befriending his enemy. From what I’ve heard Floyd has expressed a certain disdain towards Ross, feeling that the Teflon Don is using the beef for publicity purposes. Who know? Seems slightly contradictory though – if its even true.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

There were some rumors online that John Mayer had a supporter in Holly Robinson Pete, but that’s not true.

Shanell has denied rumors that she is preggers with Lil Wayne’s new baby.

A naked picture of Snooki has been leaked to the internet. Nothing too crazy, but it seems old. Snooki is pretty thin in the picture.

Tiger Woods and wifey Elin weren’t all snuggles on V-Day. They weren’t together, according to reports. A p### star also says that Tiger got her preggers two times.

Evander’s wife opted to go to marital counseling instead of sending him to jail and divorcing him.

Did Wale depart or get dropped from Interscope?

Jon B – the original Robin Thicke – has signed a new deal with a major, I am hearing.

People are killin’ the “We Are The World” 2010 version. Autotune should never been an epic song like that.

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

Nadja Benaissa, a German singer, is now facing about 10 years in jail, because she slept with men after finding out she had the HIV. At first she was going to escape prosecution, but one of her ex’s tested positive for the virus and they to drop the hammer on her. Initially, when this story broke, the high court was cool with letting her slide a lil bit…nevermind the fact that she could go and sex more people! She’s now looking at a 10 year stretch. I think she should be allowed out of jail until she “dries up.”

CHANCE ENCOUNTERS

NO LOVE FOR “WE ARE THE WORLD 25“?

If you’re part of my Facebook/Twitter family you know I wasn’t happy with “We Are The World” at all.  When Wayne started “singing” it was over but when LL started “rapping” it was DEAD.  Doesn’t look like Jay was digging it much either.  Hov, who declined to be a part of the record said the song is like Thriller and should never be touched.

NO LOVE FOR KELLZBaby is one of the best businessmen in Hip-Hop and ever since he brought Cash Money to Universal with an unprecedented $30 million dollar distribution deal his money tree hasn’t stopped growing.  However he isn’t immune to bad investments and claims working with R Kelly was his worst move to date.  When asked about their Best Of Both Worlds 2 project that, never materialized after Kellz re-upped with Jay-Z, Baby says:

“That was a waste of my time. I could’ve made money if I wasn’t fu**in’ with that clown-ass ni**a.”

NEW COUPLE???Nahhhhh…not this time.  This is a still from Monica’s new video “Everything To Me” featuring Ocho Cinco.

Check out Ocho getting a little groupie when Lil Wayne calls him:

I’M JUST SAYIN’Magic Johnson is looking to buy Ebony Magazine…get that mula, Magic.Did you know Lil Wayne hasn’t used syrup in almost a year???  So he claims…but if it’s true *cheers* to him.

Drake’s Sprite commercial grossed me out.It went down after a Beyonce show in Brazil last week when some young locals had a shoot-out after the show.  Don’t know if anyone got hurt.

Rihanna will be starring in her first feature film “About Face” … granted she can actually learn how to act.  (Seriously they’re making her take acting classes)Money Mayweather flipped on a bouncer at Diddy’s party this weekend because they wouldn’t let him in with his 20+ entourage.

LMAO at Ushers outfit for his All-Star performance … Fabolous says he looks like a “gay urban batman”:

HAITIAN RELIEFIce-T’s in-house snow bunny, CoCo, took some time out to show Haiti some love … after all they’ve been through this is a nice show of support.  Peep how she turned the cell-phone into a logo.

PEACE – CHANCECDR @ TWITTER FACEBOOK & GMAILCOCO, 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].

On Lil’ Wayne, Jail Time, Private Time, and Public Time

 

“This language

is so captivating/ When we lose a rap ni**a, the news is devastating/ Whether

to the prison or grave/ You know this rap sh** was built from the strength of

those that hunger and crave/”

—DJ Muggs vs GZA,

“General Principles,” Grandmasters

(2007).

I’m not a Lil’ Wayne fan. I used to hate

his music. I don’t anymore—I stopped listening. But it still takes nothing away

from how sorry I think I’m starting to feel for him. And it has very little to

do with the jail time trailing this oral

surgery scheme. I can’t verify if the month-long postponement recently

afforded him is legitimate on legal grounds, and as the victim of a recent (botched)

oral surgery I’m a bit more sympathetic than the average anti-Weezy Hip-Hop

fan. I do know, however, that if most of the people I know tried to push off

their incarceration date as he just did—and especially under the guise of teeth

pain (which could have been resolved much sooner)—the judge, bailiff, state

lawyers, and security guards present would probably break into laughter

unrivaled in court history.

Nonetheless, I can’t help but lament how

much of a downward spiral his life journey has taken in only the past few

years. Once the teeny-bopper bragging about his “bling bling,” today most of

his music is indecipherable, if not plain eccentric—and not in a good way. And

here lies the problem. It seems some have convinced Lil’ Wayne—or he did so

without help—that he is something other than what the public can ever comprehend;

that he has some esoteric personality worth pursuing (even if leading toward

self-ruin); that Aristotle was speaking of him in professing, “No great genius

has ever existed without some touch of madness.”

I think The GZA is a lyrical genius (and

the greatest complex storyteller Hip-Hop has produced to-date), but I don’t—and

I’m not expecting to—see him embracing eccentricity as some fashionable

lifestyle. And you hardly get those vibes from equally great acts like Rakim, Nas,

KRS-One and Lauryn Hill (well, maybe a little). All Hip-Hop artists have a

little bit of crazy in them—it’s become increasingly necessary in a world where

major record labels are all too happy in promoting dangerously identical

products. So, Lil’ Wayne’s problem is

more than that.

Some would contend immediately it’s the

syrup (codeine/promethazine). But Bun B has been drinking it for just as long

as Wayne to my knowledge, and, last I checked, the Texas Underground King faced

no hurdles articulating his feelings presciently during interviews. But what

about the other drugs, you ask? If drug tests were mandatory in Hip-Hop, 95% of

commercial rappers wouldn’t advance past the first round. So, drugs are just an

amplifier—of an already established trauma. His early fame and success is a

more accurate guess. Or, as Jerry Seinfeld recently put it in an interview, “It’s

not fame—it’s you.”

Life for the young New Orleanian took a

sharp twist at a very young age. The implications cannot be overlooked. Perhaps

his less-than-mature brain couldn’t handle the pressures of the music industry

(most adults can’t), and even though once nearly invisible, this tumor has

grown in size incrementally since his debut as a Hip-Hop artist. Very few child

stars—and Lil’ Wayne is one—grow up normal, or with any semblance of sanity.

The wild ways of the entertainment industry simply bear down hard, and

unexpectedly, on such kids. Is Lil’ Wayne merely a victim of early fame?

There are also personal background

issues that come to mind, but I respect his privacy enough not to publicly diagnose

them without permission—plus I’m no psychologist.

What I can say, however, with certainty

is that one of Hip-Hop’s most beloved—for multiple reasons—artists faces a

dilemma that calls for, at the very least, some sympathy. This is not to

suggest I’ll be in some monkey suite (“Free Lil’ Wayne” T-shirt) anytime soon. And

if I know anything of the prison system and its dealings with celebrities, this

one-year bid might be more rewarding than a palm springs vacation; but it’s

unfortunate to have so many other stars—like Shyne, like T.I., like Tupac, like

Mystical, like John Forté, like DMX—railed off to jail cells at the apex of

their careers. I don’t know the details of Wayne’s charges (nor do I want to),

and it’s possible he simply took the fall for someone else; it’s even possible

the whole operation was a set-up (wake up, Hip-Hop!).

But on March 2, barring another medical emergency, TV cameras would have a field day running repeated loops of this

young Black man being herded into a location where many who look like him have

been placed in permanently.

So, this could be a redemptive moment

for Lil’ Wayne. He can emerge a victor and pledge a new course following the

8-months to 1-year bid. He can use this opportunity for some much-needed

self-reflection and soul-searching upon his life, his achievements, his

happiness, his sorrows. He can ask himself some very blunt questions—if those

around him care more about their connection to celebrity than the wellbeing of

the guy who keeps their pockets deep; if he has true friends or merely

acquaintances; if his music today sounds like he dreamed before anyone even

knew he rapped. He can make good use of this moment to help bring overlong due

attention to the disproportionate dumping of Black and Latino men and women into

modern-day plantations—for crimes many of their White counterparts earn mere

wrist-slaps.

It would have been a wasted and

unfortunate publicity stunt if all we hear from him post-incarceration is how

much of a “man” he now is, how “gangsta” the prison culture is, or, worse yet,

that the guy who went in is the same guy coming out.

I’m no moralist, so I don’t claim to

know what’s best for anyone. But kids—in the millions—are looking up to Lil’

Wayne as he takes this next turn in the journey of life. Young middle school

and high school kids are patiently waiting to hear him confirm their unhealthy

expectations. They want badly to see their hero stare down this wall and act

tougher than Iron Mike even when his whole world is collapsing around. They

long for the day when he walks out of prison even more maniacal and unstable

than he already is.

My fear is he knows all this, and is

prepared to cater accordingly. Unfortunately, not all eccentricity is genius.

And, more sobering, even the eccentric geniuses are not death-proof. Remember Russell

Tyrone Jones?

Tolu

Olorunda is a cultural critic whose work regularly appears on AllHipHop.com, CounterPunch.org,

TheDailyVoice.com and other online

journals. He can be reached at: [email protected].

NY Court Says Flavor Flav Owes Over $63k in Back Child Support

Public Enemy hypeman turned reality TV star Flavor Flav (William Drayton, Jr.) will soon answer charges that he owes $63,458.00 in back child support to the mother of three of his children.

According to the Albany County Child Support Collection Division, Mary Parker originally had an agreement in place since 1996 that covered the former couple’s two children at the time. However, Parker moved to have the agreement amended in July 2008 after the birth of a third child.

She was successful with an appeal last month, and a judge ordered Flavor Flav’s weekly payment of $117 increased to $837.72, along with requirements to cover private school tuition fees dating back to the original 2008 amendment filing.

Flav, who celebrates his 51st birthday next month, explained that he will contest the order on the grounds that he’s made payments to his children’s mother beyond the court decreed amount.

“The judgment is recent as I was just made aware of it,” Flav stated to the NY Post. “I’ll certainly be addressing it. However, I’ve made payments on my children’s tuition, and have made direct payment to the mother outside of the court order.”

Since finding success on several VH1 reality shows (Surreal Life, Strange Love, Flavor of Love) in the mid 2000s, Flavor Flav has been attacked by several family members for alleged financial abandonment.

In January 2009, a daughter accused him of bring a bad parent for reneging on a promise to pay for her final semester of college, and only seeing her one week out the year.

Karen Ross-Fortunate, another mother of three of Flav’s children, went public in stating the Public Enemy member did not financially support his children, in particular their eldest son’s college tuition expenses.

Flav has seven children, the last being a boy named Karma born in 2007.

At press time, Flavor Flav’s Albany County child support case does not have a court date.

Five Hip-Hop Love Songs To Warm Your Heart

When one thinks of sensual music for that romantic get away, rap songs are usually the last thing that comes to mind.

Throughout the years rap music has been labeled misogynistic and unfriendly towards women.

Since Sunday (February 14) is Valentine’s Day, I decided to run down five of Hip-Hop’s best “love songs.”

While this list may not change anyone’s views about the attitudes towards women and rap, it does highlight the variety of subjects that rappers talk about when it comes to love.

Whether it’s guns, a woman, or “love” for their extended crew members, rappers have covered the topic of love with passion and innovation.

1. One Love – Whodini – 1986 

 This song was among Hip-Hop’s first crossover love songs, coming from a credible group. The song was featured on Whodini’s Back in Black album, which was certified platinum behind hits like “Funky Beat” and “One Love.” In the first verse of “One Love,” the group’s MC’s, Ecstasy and Jalil both deliver verses that express their love for a particular woman and how they have been lucky in love.

“There’s no one way, it can be explained/I guess it’s the way I smile, when I hear your name/It’s the little things that you do, that mean so much/It’s the care that you put, into every touch,” Ecstasy raps.

 

On the second verse, the group focuses on losing love, something that every human being can relate to. Ecstasy loses his girl, thinking that he can buy her love, while Jalil breaks a woman’s heart, as well as his own, due to his infidelity. On the third and final verse, the pair trade off lines and express their thoughts about love in a tender manner, unfamiliar to most rappers of the day. And the video for the song is absolutely vintage 1980’s, from the open shirts, to the dance steps. One of my favorite Hip-Hop songs.

2. One Love – Nas – 1994

 “One Love” was featured on Nas’ debut release Illmatic, that’s totally different from Whodini’s. On Nas’ version of “One Love” he teams with Tribe Called Quest front man Q-Tip, who crafted an amazing, fearless track out of a sample by jazz greats, The Heath Brothers. And Nas rises to the occasion. Through his lyrics, you realize that the stressed out rapper is writing a letter to a friend named “Born,” who is locked up in prison for an unknown transgression.

Nas’ poetry and lyrical abilities are displayed in full glory on this track, through a number of clever lyrics that paint a vivid picture for the listener.

“No time for looking back it’s done/Plus congratulations you know you got a son/I heard he looks like you, why don’t your lady write you?/Told her she should visit, that’s when she got hyper/Flippin, talk about he acts too rough/He didn’t listen he be riffin’ while I’m telling him stuff /I was like yeah, shorty don’t care, she a snake too/****** with the n****s from that fake crew that hate you/But yo, guess who got shot in the dome-piece?/Jerome’s niece, on her way home from Jones Beach/

Before the song ends, Nas shows some “love” and “passes” a dose of street knowledge to a 12-year-old who is smoking with him in the Queensbridge projects in Queens, New York.

3. I Need Love – LL Cool J – 1987 

 This is probably by far, rap music’s best known love song. Although it was released in 1987 on the album Bigger and Deffer, the song continues to have legs on the radio and on various video shows. LL Cool J’s song has the mushiest lyrics out of the majority of the rap songs, but it hit its 16-year-old female audience with laser like precision, upon it’s release as the second single from the album in 1987.

“You can scratch my back, we’ll get cozy and huddle/I’ll lay down my jacket so you can walk over a puddle/I’ll give you a rose, pull out your chair before we eat/kiss you on the cheek and say ooh girl you’re so sweet/It’s deja vu whenever I’m with you/I could go on forever telling you what I do,” LL raps.

When the song came out, like Whodini, the hardcore crowd accepted the track, simply because LL Cool J is an excellent rapper with a penchant for battling and dismantling his opponents. Because of his hardcore roots, LL had no problem showing his softer side to his female fans.

“I need your ruby red lips sweet face and all/I love you more than a man who’s 10 feet tall/I’d watch the sunrise in your eyes/we’re so in love when we hug we become paralyzed,” a smitten LL Cool J rhymes.

Throughout the course of his career, LL became famous for delivering a good party record in addition to female friendly songs like “Around the Way Girl,” “Hey Lover” and “Doin’ it.”

Those female fans and millions more still follow LL Cool J, as he has a starring role on CBS’ runaway hit series NCIS: Los Angeles.

4. Tupac – Me and My Girlfriend – 1996

This creative track was featured on Tupac’s amazing album Makaveli – The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory Album, which has sold in excess of 5 million copies in the United States alone.

Jay-Z and Beyonce remade this track in on the song “03 Bonnie & Clyde,” but their version was nothing like the original. Tupac’s girlfriend was “blacker than night” and was “45 years old.” These are both references to a woman, but it has double meaning as his girlfriend is really the gun on his side.

“I knew deep inside/baby girl would always be mine/Picked you up when you was nine, started out my life of crime wit you, bought you some shells when you turned twenty-two/It’s true, nothin compares to the satisfaction/that I feel when we out mashin… me and my girlfriend,” the late rapper rhymes.

Tupac further expresses his love for his gun later in the verse and by the third verse, he is metaphorically making love to the weapon before ending his rhymes with the lines:

“Much love to my one and only girlfriend, the world is ours/Just hold me down, baby witness the power/Never leave a n***a alone, I love you black or chrome/Turn this house into a happy home”5. Truly Yours – Kool G. Rap – 1989

This song deals with the painful side of love, delivered through the genius of one of rap’s most gifted orators and lyricists, Kool G. Rap. On this song, Kool G. Rap is upset over the treatment he received from one of his ex-girlfriends. The woman must have been something to look at, at one point, but by the end of the song, you realize that G. Rap’s former flame is just an empty shell of her former self. And unfortunately, Kool G. Rap spends a lot of time pointing these faults out to the woman and her new boyfriend during the song. This track has all the ingredients for a perfect rap song. It was featured on G. Rap’s groundbreaking album “Road to the Riches” and was produced by legendary beat smith Marley Marl.

“You wanted to leave because you didn’t believe that I would achieve/Cause you had something up your sleeve/Perhaps you might have thought I’m a dreamer with a fat head/Now you’re stuck with a baby from a crack head/Come to my shows, you want to check to see if I wreck it/The only record your man got is a jail record.”

Ouch.

The verse directed towards the woman’s boyfriend is so offense, that the lyrics cannot be reprinted, even though the entire verse actually light on curse words.

On the third verse, Kool G. Rap returns to badmouthing his ex and even has some predictions for her future, which is basically doomed in the gangster rapper’s eyes.

“Yo, you used to tell me all the time that you would be a model/Later in life, you’re living in a crack bottle/So when you’re begging on your knees because I’m clocking G’s/You’ll be in zero degrees getting processed cheese”

This is a great song to innocently mouth off to, when you want to be a gangster rapper and have had your heart broken.

Hopefully everyone is finding love for Valentine’s Day 2010. Stay warm!

 

Follow @grouchygreg on Twitter.

Valentine’s Day: The 6 Degrees of Love

 

Beyond the long stemmed roses, boxes of chocolates and historical ties to pagan fertility hoopla, you will find that the true meaning of Valentine’s Day is still embedded around love. Yes February 14th is upon us and thus will be a momentous occasion for all of those smitten couples floating on cloud nine. Love also dwells in the hearts of many of your favorite Hip-Hop acts. As fans we’ve watched them hit the red carpets together, and rooted for their success whenever the paparazzi managed to snag a photo showcasing their affections. Some of these couples made us laugh while others pulled on our emotional senses in confusion over miss matched items. Most were gossip worthy and had their moment under the limelight whether short or long lived.

 

Unfortunately the promise of happily ever after has not lasted for a few couples within the culture. The pressure of maintaining superstar roles sometimes can take a negative toll on these relationships. Living the fast life may lead to worldly temptations that can lead anyone astray or in the dust. These couples have endured scrutiny due to love, lust and lies and the result has manufactured an interesting spider web of s###. Perhaps an examination of those celebrities who did not stand the test of time is often needed to makes those who are still intact appreciate what they have as a unit.

 

Six degrees of separation (or in this case togetherness) is the theory that anyone on the planet can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than five intermediaries. Let’s explore the journey of this connection through the burned out relationships hip hop has produced. The nucleus of Hip-Hop’s relationship shortcomings could have very easily been any platinum selling rap star. Alas every story has a beginning so let’s start with the man who profoundly once boasted “Me give my heart to a woman, not for nothing never happen I be forever mackin” yet today is proudly married.

 

Jay-Z is married to Beyonce who is managed by her father Mathew Knowles is now getting divorced from his wife Tina Knowles after 30 long years. The Knowles also have a daughter named Solange. Solange use to be married to Daniel Smith but that quickly fizzed out. Beyonce use to be in the group Destiny’s Child where LeToya Luckett originated. Ms. Luckett use to date Slim Thug, but I guess he just didn’t want to put a ring on it. Beyonce also use to date Marques Houston. Hova use to be business partners with Dame Dash and both have links to Aaliyah. Dash is now divorced from fashion designer Rachel Roy. Recent headlines are printing that Foxy now admits to an affair with Jay as well. If you remember the crazed lyrics to the song “Super Ugly” than I’m sure you’ll recall that Jay also had a short lived romp with Carmen Bryan. Carmen has a daughter with rapper Nas.  Nas married and divorced Kelis and Kelis got paid.

 

Jay is friends with many within the industry, among them is his pal Kanye West. The Louie Vuitton Don was one time engaged to Alexis Phifer before meeting up with the media’s new favorite whooty Amber Rose. Kanye gave Common a deal with his imprint G.O.O.D. Music and Common use to date Erykah Badu. Erykah Badu was with Andre 3000 back in the day and had us all asking, “What are they wearing?” Jay signed Rihanna to Def Jam. who dated Chris Brown and we all know how that fiasco turned out. However these two were not the only troubled couple that was plagued by domestic abuse. Many may recall when Mary J Blige and K-C from Jodeci were the unpleasant talk around town.

 

Mary J & CB both have worked with Lil Wayne who married his high school sweetheart Toya then broke up. Toya has the BET reality TV show Tiny& Toya. Tiny use to be in the R&B group Xscape with Candy who went separate ways from her fiancé AJ right before tragedy struck.  Tiny is now with TI who signed Young Dro who dated Fantasia for the last two years. The cause of death was too much ghetto fabulousness.

 

Jay was a friend to one of the greatest rappers to ever hold a mic, the Notorious Big. Biggie used to be married to Faith Evans who did the song “Kiss the Girls” with Eric Benet who is divorced from Halle Berry and checked into sex rehab long before Tiger. I’m sure many admirers are still asking to this day, “How does any man cheat on Halle Berry?” Jay Z and Diddy can both be linked in various ways. Whether music, business, or charities the scandalous result lies around hip hop’s most famous jump off  Karrine “Superhead” Steffens. Puff also signed Biggie who outside of his wife had numerous encounters with female rappers Lil Kim and Charlie Baltimore. Lil Kim worked with and was rumored to date Ray J. Ray J use to date Kim Kardashian, which spawned one heck of a  sex tape.  Ray J is songstress Brandy’s brother. Brandy use to be with producer Robert Smith and Kobe. Ray J was with Whitney who use to ride or die for Bobby Brown. Ray J also was with “Superhead” who was with many more, and I do mean many including the aforementioned Bobby Brown and Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq being in the NBA has naturally played against Chris Webber who use to date Tyra Banks. Tyra Banks is best friends with Kimora Simmons who use to be married to Russell of course. 

 

Biggie’s fling Charlie B-more would later become affiliated to Irv Gotti’s Murder Inc and become label mates with Ashanti. Ashanti possibly dated her boss and definitely called Nelly her boo, but after a long court ship the carriage turned back into a pumpkin. Murder Inc’s biggest star was none other than singing/rapping artist Ja Rule. His career nose-dived once a feud was ignited with Curtis Jackson. Young Buck use to be on G-Unit and dated the still standing Monica. 50 dated then embarrassed Vivica Fox then it was onto the next with Ciara. Ciara went form being this star’s back up dancer to being his first puppy love as she dated Bow Wow. Bow Wow was discovered by Jermaine Dupri who dated Janet Jackson prior and after the infamous Super Bowl showcase.  50 Cent once said his guns were bigger than Lil Bow Wow.

 

Since they can’t stop / won’t stop let continue with the Bad Boy umbrella. Stevie J who was apart of Diddy’s production team the Hitmen, use to be gaga over the pitbull in a skirt Eve. Eve was label mates with DMX who was married to Tashera who with stood major public ridicule before finally being disrespected enough to throw in the towel. Also Swizz Beats was a part of the Ruff Ryders crew. Swizz Beatz was married to Mashonda but shattered her world by leaving her for Alicia Keys. Alicia  co-starred in the movie The Secret Life of Bees with Queen Latifah. Back in the hey day, Queen Latifah used to mentor Naughty by Nature which leads us to Treach who was married and divorced from Pepa. Pep’s looking for love in a reality show now.

 

Back down south we can remember that Jermaine Dupri wrote some smash hits for Mariah who was linked to Eminem but is now married to Nick Cannon. Nick Cannon use to date Christina Millian and Christina Millian now is married to The Dream. The Dream use to be married to Nivea. Nivea dated and birthed a son for Weezy. Lil Wayne was also with rapper Trina and Lauren London, who also bore him a son. JD has also written classics for Usher. Usher did the song “Love in the Club” featuring Young Jeezy who was once known to be dating Keyshia Cole. Usher was signed to LaFace early in his singing career. Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds called it quits with his wife Traci Edmonds who buried herself in Eddie Murphy’s arms.

 

Before Usher was ready to sign those papers with Tameka Foster he openly dated TLC member Chilli and had the world shaking their heads at his supposed confessions. Chilli’s band mate is T-Boz who was with Mac 10. Chilli also was bitten by the acting bug in the 90s and did House Party 3 with Bernie Mac. Bernie did the Players Club with Lisa Ray McCoy. Lisa Raye had a lavish wedding to Premier Misick but the romance was shattered boldly by 106 & Parks’ host Rocsi. Rocsi was the new school replacement for the original host Free this leads us back to the flame that ignited this whirlwind discussion. Free was rumored to have had a “thing” with Jay-Z which brings us full circle.

 

Happy Valentines Day!