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Friday Hip Hop Report
This Fast & Furious edition recaps Andre 3000’s speeding arrest, Queen Latifah’s lawsuit, King Mag is shutting down and more!
EXCLUSIVE: DJ Drama Speaks Out On Cash Money Lawsuit
This week, legal documents were made public of a February 2009 lawsuit launched by Cash Money Records against DJ Drama’s Aphilliates Music Group.
The lawsuit brought much speculation on the current status of Drama and Wayne’s relationship, as the two have collaborated regularly since 2005 on their acclaimed Dedication mixtape series.
According to Drama, the current litigation does not extend to their personal or business relationship.
“The accusations against me are misplaced,” Drama explained to AllHipHop.com. “This is not a case of Lil Wayne vs DJ Drama. Me and Wayne are good. I am confident that this matter will be resolved quickly without harming the relationships between myself, Wayne and Cash Money Records.”
Several Drama tapes are named in the suit, including Happy Father’s Day, When the North and South Collide, Dedication (Chopped & Screwed), and the Dedication 2.
Although Cash Money Records has yet to make an official statement, the lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from the sale of these mixtapes in retail outlets.
This is not the first time DJ Drama has run afoul with labels over sale proceeds.
In 2007, Drama and colleague DJ Don Cannon were arrested following a racketeering bust on the Aphilliate’s Atlanta office.
During the raid, over 81,000 CD’s were seized as evidence.
When asked why Cash Money would sue him after all their work together in building Wayne’s current popularity, Drama respectfully decline to speculate.
“Due to the ongoing nature of this litigation I do not wish to make any further comments.” he stated.
DJ Drama is set to release his second album, Gangsta Grillz: The Album (Vol. 2), on May 19.
Jadakiss Ft. Stack Bundles, Cassidy, Swizz Beatz and Joe Budden
“What Would Happen Remix”
Kurupt, DJ Quik Plan The Blaqkout; New Solo LP From Kurupt Coming
West Coast rap mainstays Kurupt and DJ Quik are prepping the release of what will be the eighth non-group release for each.
The new project, titled The Blaqkout is set to hit stores June 9 via Quik’s Fontana/Universal distributed imprint, Mad Science Recordings.
With Quik handling all production duties on the LP, the two artists were able to create an album truly representative of their home state and musical backgrounds.
“Kurupt does in rap what I do in music,” DJ Quik explained of the partnership, which was conceptualized while both contributed to Snoop Dogg’s album Ego Trippin’.
“It just made sense. Kurupt is a gangster rapper in the sense of being raw, bare-bones and uncut,” Quik continued. “I wanted to do music that evoked certain feelings and could show his microphone superiority.”
Leading up to the release of the album, which features a rare appearance by Cali’s female pioneer Yo Yo, two singles will be released digitally.
The first, “Hey Playa (Moroccan Blues),” which finds DJ Quik flexing his production muscle with a North African inspired track, is beginning to garner radio spins.
The follow up single, “What Cha Wan Do” is already receiving the support of club and mixshow DJs.
The week of The Blaqkout’s release, Kurupt and DJ Quik will embark on a 30-day tour, bringing the California experience to audiences across the country through July 4.
Kurupt is also currently working on his next solo LP, Street Lights, due out later this year.
Crooked I and DJ Wicked
“Jackin For Beats 2009”
Termanology Ft. Lil Fame of M.O.P. and Quest Tha Youngn [Heater Of the Day]
“My Passion Iz Money”
C Murder
“It’s So Hard”
Rapper Big Pooh Ft. Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and K.Dot
“Nothing Less”
Max B. Ft. French Montana
“I Ain’t Tyrna”
Where Are They Now?: Spice 1
West
Coast Gangsta rap veteran Spice 1 is not a grumpy old
man. But dude is p##### about the state of the music he has spent the greater
part of two decades etching with his thought-filled hardcore rhymes.
In
the early ’90s, coming in on the back of a well-known Bay area comrade Too
Short, Spice quickly established himself with memorable joints like “187 Proof ,” “In My Neighborhood” and
“Welcome to the Ghetto.” Obtaining a slot on the Jive Records roster
two years out of high school, the Hayward, CA native felt fairly quickly
the woes of labels pressure versus an artist’s fight to protect his own raw
musical vision.
Though
releasing a chart-topping self-titled major label debut, platinum plaques, and
over a million records sold, Spice 1 still found himself chasing his dream
without the backing of Jive and the commercialized Rap music machine. Since
then he has learned the independent game brick-by-brick from the ground up,
released more than 15 solo albums and spawning his own Thug World imprint¾this
year marks the label’s first album in his sixteenth solo Home Sweet Home.
After
recovering from a gun shot to the chest from an
attempted carjacking in 2007 that left him in critical condition, Spice 1 takes
his life and his music a whole lot more seriously these days. No wonder the
voice that once inspired 2Pac, finds it hard to have sympathy for all the pop
star wannabe rappers in rotation now.
AllHipHop.com: Why do you
think it seems like you have been gone from the game, but in fact you never
left?
Spice 1: Because I
guess all of my projects since I’ve been off Jive in the ’90s have been
independent projects. I’ve just been putting out as much material as I can to
stay afloat, keep my fans happy and keep something out there. But most of the
material I’ve been dropping has been independent underground projects. They’re
probably mainstream, listening to some of that kiddy a** s**t, that’s probably
why they haven’t heard. Those motherf**kas are too busy listening to the damn radio and listening
to that fake s**t everybody tells them they’re supposed to listen to, when the
real s**t is on the underground.
AllHipHop.com: Back in the
day you were sort of discovered by Too Short. But as an artist, why does it
seem like you quickly stepped out from Short’s shadow while both of you were at
Jive together as a Bay Area artists?
Spice 1: Short was
definitely responsible for bringing me out and into the game. But we were both
different types of artists, both different as individuals. Jive really was
intending to corner the Bay real hard, but I’ve always been on my own s**t.
AllHipHop.com: People always
respect cats like Too Short, Dre, Pac, Cube and Snoop
as pioneers of the West Coast. Obviously you’ve been around a long time, do you
feel like people give you your props as a pioneer for the West?
Spice 1: To a certain
extent in the streets, yeah. But in the industry, no. I
think a lot of these industry cats, real n****s in the industry they’ll give me
my props but these fake ass motherf**kas, no; they’re not going to give me props because they
can’t do what I can do. Some motherf**kas when they see a n***a that can
do something that they can’t do, they want to hate on that s**t. But some real
n****s will see that and respect it. But most hate on that s**t, that’s
probably why a n***a doesn’t have his props like he is
supposed to.
Welcome To The Ghetto – Spice 1
AllHipHop.com: Does that
bother you at all?
Spice 1: It does bother
me, but what am I supposed to do? All I can do is keep
dropping albums. I mean, I’m arguing with certain people that don’t even
know I had videos on MTV, or that I’ve been No. 1 on the Billboard three times
in a row on some gangsta s**t. It’s motherf**kas that don’t know I
sold half a million copies in one week. Some motherf**kas that don’t even know I dropped my first album with no
features and went platinum. It’s motherf**kas that don’t even know that s**t and still want to
criticize me and say, “He’s underground. He’s a legend in his own mind, he
don’t know s**t, and he ain’t nobody.”
Those
are the motherf**kas that
need a swift kick, a long ass size 14 in they’re ass. They need to go check
their rap history and see what a real n***a is about, because they’re all stuck
on this jumping around, kiddy ass bulls**t. I’ll put it this way, the only
reason I’m still in the industry is because I think that real rap music has the
chance to come back.
AllHipHop.com: People look at
artists today like Lil’ Wayne and all the high volume of mixtape
material and collabos he’s had in recent years…but
over the course of your career you have released over 14 or 15 solo albums
almost year after year, not to mention collabos and
compilations since the early ’90s. What has kept you going, staying consistent
in the game for so long?
Spice 1: Just that right there, the point of being able to crush other MCs
and the wack ass rappers. Just being able to smash on
fake n****s keeps me motivated to do this. I’m just waiting on one of these
non-rapping ass n****s to say something so I can eat they’re ass up. Show them
how a real rap artist gets down instead of all these n****s rapping about all this fake ass s**t that they rap about, that’s the only
thing that keeps me motivated. That and the money, taking care of my kids and
having a nice life, that’s fine but you’re supposed to have that in life
anyway. Your goal is supposed to be for some real stuff, not all this, “I
get money, I got b*tches,” and that’s it. That’s
not what life is all about. Some of these motherf**kas think that’s what it is and that’s all they can rap
about. They need to expand they’re mind or something.
1990-Sick (Kill Em All) – Spice 1
AllHipHop.com: When you were
being picked up by Jive in 1992, you were only 21 years old. Talking about the
streets and a lot of hardcore stuff at such a young age, creatively, how were
you able to release so much of that type of music on a major label?
Spice 1: It’s just so
much to talk about. I constantly write and I’m always thinking about something
to say, s**t is always in the back of my head. It’s just f**ked up because I’ll
be touching on valid points and the s**t doesn’t get heard because of a lack of
marketing and promotion. That’s
why I don’t understand where they come in with this fake ass funny rap s**t.
Reggae music had substance, even pop music had substance, they talk about the
real life. Rock music has substance, but this s**t that these n****s are
rapping about has no substance to song, and it’s not music. It’s not feeding my
soul like it’s supposed to.
That’s
my whole point about this, these youngsters, they want a motherf****r
to respect them. N***a, eat me up on the mic and then
I’ll respect you! Like all that ol’ Soulja Boy s**t, man that ain’t no battle. I ain’t dissing that little
n***a. I don’t have time to be dissing no punk puny
ass b***h ass n***a, I’m an OG, a real gangsta. I
don’t have time to argue with no little kid, but as far as a
n***a having skills, I can respect that. Back in the day if a
n***a even thought about dissing a respected rapper
like Ice T would get handled, he is a straight OG. And as far as a motherf**ka not knowing how to rap at all, I can respect a n***a getting his paper but he is lying to the game and
the fans. I think they’re being cheated because the n***a
can’t rap his way out of a plastic bag. But they’re buying his s**t,
thinking it’s the business, and the radio is playing that s**t all hard.
AllHipHop.com: The Spiceberg Slim album marked your first
release since Let It Be Known that
you were without the backing of a major label. After leaving Jive, did going
independent make things harder or easier for you to do your thing?
Spice 1: I was 21 when
I dropped my first CD, and I was on a major label. I didn’t know s**t about [the]
independent game at all when I got off Jive. All I knew was major label
signing. So I kind of had to start all over. And all the way until I was 27,
when I got off of Jive it was ’99 and I was released into the water where the
sharks were. I was sheltered by the major labels for
so long, by the time they let me out into the wild, I didn’t know how to
survive.
I
had to learn how to work it, market, distribute, promote and I had to learn how
to do all that independently all over again. That’s why it took me so long to
get me back to the point where I am now, comfortable with the independent s**t.
I had to learn that again and on top of that deal with getting shot, going to
jail, my pops passing away and my momma having cancer.
Face Of A Desperate Man – Spice 1
AllHipHop.com: Do you have
any regrets?
Spice 1: Well I just
really wish I would have known more at my age, but that was impossible at that
age, to know how to run a record label at 21 years old. All I could do then was
write music and perform. As far as knowing the business, I never went to
college for that or anything, I had to learn from
on-hand experience. There are a few regrets but the most thing that came off
the regrets is that I got what I wanted, respect and to respect my mind. As far
as my props, real n****s give me those and the fake n****s are going to hate.
AllHipHop.com: Being in the
game for so long, how do you feel about the industry today? And even coming out
of your own hood with the hyphy movement, what do you
think of these new bloods, when you talk about substance?
Spice 1: Again when you
talk about substance, it’s just sort of like I’m here, I’m the s**t, I’ve got
my hands in the air, (What! What! What!) That is what the hyphy
movement is about to me. It’s all about partying, dancing and jumping up and
down—that’s fine. But I grew up listening to Marvin Gaye and real s**t.
So I feel that music should have some type of substance or soul and I’m not
getting it from this hyphy movement, I’m not getting
it from crunk music, I’m not getting it from nothing
but motherf**kas like Pac,
Scarface, the older rap artists. And it doesn’t have anything to do with their age, I mean we were 21 years old writing songs like
“Welcome to the Ghetto.” So why can’t one of these 21-year-old motherf**kas write s**t like that
now?
Why
are they too busy writing about some bulls**t that don’t make any damn sense in
their 20s? They’re too busy
worrying about how much ass they’re going to get and how many b***hes are going to be on their nuts, when that isn’t even
important. What would n****s rap about if we were in the middle of World War IV¾their cars and b***hes?
They don’t know nothing about real life. I’m just
looking at it like f**k the cars, f**k the b***hes
and f**k the money, now write your rap.
AllHipHop.com: It’s been
nearly two years now since you were shot. Did that happening change anything
for you in your life or your career? How has it affected you?
Spice
1: To keep it real, it just made me want to shoot the next motherf**ka
that walks past me. And it got me to the point, where I used to be like,
“That n***a has a gun, let me get the f**k out of his face.” Now I
already know what that feels like, “You’re going to have to use that motherf**ka.” I can’t say it has changed me in a
positive way, because I was already positive. It got me to the point where I
had to control myself because I’m mad as f**k this b***h ass n***a shot me and ran.
It was crazy too because I usually always carry my piece on me and that just
happened to be the day I didn’t. A lot of people would think it would make a n***a soft, but it actually put about 30 pounds on me, so
I am bigger than I was before.
But
it made me write more real s**t, of course I wrote real s**t before. But it
really made me want to come harder and realer than ever before. I’ll tell you
one thing though, I’m happy it was a b***h ass n***a that
shot me, I’ll tell you that much. Because if it was a real n***a, I wouldn’t be
talking to you right now.
AllHipHop.com: Also you’re
preparing to release a new album this year Home
Sweet Home on your own label, what can people expect from it?
Spice 1: They can
definitely expect for my s**t to not sound like everybody else. I ain’t dissing
nobody on there and there is no T-Pain on my s**t. Everybody is trying to sound
like T-Pain now, but I’m giving him his props. My fans can actually look
forward to hearing something different. My music has always been the soundtrack
to my life, I’m not copying anybody. We also have
Scarface, Devin the Dude, Katt Williams, Daz Dillinger, David Hollister from Blackstreet,
San Quinn and Clyde Carson, and a few more local cats. There is a going to be
some L.A. cats and we’re going to get [Too] Short on there. I didn’t want too
many features but that’s enough.
Be looking for Home
Sweet Home, sometime in July and we’re going to start pushing the single
called “Candy.” It’s like a “187 Proof” but I made women
sound like different candy. It’s hot s**t, for the ears of females, males,
young and old. Right now, we’re in the process of getting Thug World together
and I signed myself to my own label. This album is the first album I’m dropping
on that label, so I’m putting more energy, blood, sweat and tears into this one
than I did for damn near all of my albums put together.
Flo Rida Ft. Jusmula
“Gotta Get It Dancer Remix”
ASCAP Honors Wyclef Jean and Santigold
Rapper/producer Wyclef Jean will be among a group of musicians being honored later this month by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
The entertainer will receive the ASCAP Creative Voice Award at the organization’s 26th annual Pop Music Awards.
The invitation-only event, which will take place April 22, 2009 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, is part of ASCAP’s I Create Music Week, a week-long series of events in LA that celebrate the voice of the music creator.
Jean’s ability to utilize his talents and fame towards being a positive influence among fans was more than enough to qualify him for the Creative Voices Award, according to ASCAP president and chairman Marilyn Bergman.
“Wyclef is one of this generation’s most musically innovative and passionate artists,” she told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “He is not only a hero to millions of music fans around the world, but to the millions of people he helps through his Yéle Haiti Foundation. The ASCAP Creative Voice Award is an honor he richly deserves.”
The Creative Voice award is given to an ASCAP member or group whose significant career achievements are equally informed by their creative spirit and by their contributions to the role that a creator can play in their community.
Jean will be in good company as past Creative Voice award honorees include Metallica and Green Day.
The former Fugees member will not be only entertainer recognized by ASCAP.
The organization will honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed pop songs of 2008 as well as present singer/songwriter Santigold with its Vanguard Award.
The honor highlights the impact of musical genres that help shape the future of American music.
As this year’s Vanguard Award recipient, Santigold joins past Vanguard Award honorees The All-American Rejects, Sara Bareilles, Beck, the Strokes and Jack Johnson.
“Santi is an extremely talented artist,” Bergman said. “Her knowledge of the industry coupled with her skills as a songwriter and performer makes her a force to be reckoned with. We are delighted to honor her with ASCAP’s Vanguard Award.”
Joining Jean and Santigold at the Pop Music Awards will be sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of the pop/rock group Heart.
The duo, which will perform at the ceremony along with Jean, will be presented with the ASCAP Founders award.
C-Murder Establishes Fund To Prove Innocence
Rapper C-Murder has launched a website to help raise funds for his legal battle in regards to his upcoming murder re-trial.
The domain name is registered to Kernell Reynolds, who also doubles as the President of C-Murder’s Tru Records.
Miller, 38, is preparing to stand trial for a second time.
“We established this because C hasn’t been able to work in almost seven years because of the house arrest,” Reynolds told AllHipHop.com exclusively. “It’s not really fair. It’s even more frustrating because he’s under a gag order and can’t publicly comment on any thing about the case.”
He is accused of shooting and killing 16-year-old Steve Thomas, in a now-defunct, Jefferson Parish nightclub.
The rapper was originally convicted of the murder in 2003, but he was granted a new trial when it was learned that prosecutors had expunged several key witnesses’ criminal records, in exchange for testimony against the rapper.
Miller, who was on house arrest after posting a $500,000 bond in March of 2006, was re-arrested last week for allegedly leaving his residence for 10 minutes without permission, a direct violation of his house arrest rules.
His bond was increased from $500,000 to $1 million and in total, Miller had to raise $700,000 last week in order to be released.
According to documents, five people helped Miller raise the $700,000 in order to be released before his trial, which starts April 20.
Maxine Miller, Michael Jerome Miller, Germaine Miller, Jerard Brumfied and Jude Keelen each put up the equity in various properties they own in New Orleans in order to help C-Murder make his bail.
Miller’s attorney Ron Rakosky claims that authorities have unfairly targeted the rapper.
Just yesterday (April 2) a judge ordered Miller to remove all cordless phones in the house, which the rapper claimed was preventing his monitoring equipment from functioning properly.
In court yesterday, even Miller’s house arrest officer admitted that multiple tests on the system sent incorrect signals 17 times after Miller was re-arrested and released back into house arrest.
If Miller is convicted of the murder, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Miller is the younger brother of mogul Percy “P.Miller“ Miller and the uncle of teen sensation Percy “Lil Romeo” MillerFor more information visit http://www.coreymillerinnocencefund.com/
When Athletes Rap: Epic Fails & Wins
The modern athlete and Hip-Hop go together like OJ Simpson and gloves. Consequently, there is quite a lot of cross-pollination between the two. The only thing is, rappers cannot typically cross over into sports due to the extreme physicality associated with athletics.
Then there is the other side – sports men that attempt to rap. While, rapping appears to be easier than knocking somebody out or slam-dunking on somebody’s head…appearances can be deceiving.
One thing is for certain, both sides are the modern gladiators for our entertainment.
Here are some of the boxers, ballplayers that tried, succeeded and failed to get props in Hip-Hop.
Shaquille O’Neal & the Notorious BIG – “You Can’t Stop The Reign”
The video version:
Kobe Bryant featuring Tyra Banks – “K.O.B.E.”
Kobe Bryant, Shaq’s former team mate, took his own stab at rapping. It was short lived, but he made a splash even if it was a belly flop. Still, Kobe gets major props for rapping in Italian.
Was Nas ghostwriting?
Deion Sanders – “Must Be The Money”
Not exactly Hip-Hop, but the swagger is. We had to included Neon Deion. He looks like he’s just having fun in a “Pumps N A Bumps” kind of way.
MC Hammer featuring Deion Sanders – “Straight To My Feet”
Speaking of “Pumps N A Bump,” MC Hammer and Deion got together to rap on this 1994 diddybop song from the “Street Fighter” soundtrack.
Roy Jones Jr – “Ya’ll Musta Forgot”
The best thing about this video was the clips, a reminder of what a great fighter Roy is. A great rapper? No so much, but his favorite rapper of all time is Scarface. Didn’t forget that!
Roy Jones Jr. – “Can’t Be Touched”
Now, this song is way better from Roy. True fight music!
Allen Iverson aka Jewelz – “40 Bars”
When Allen Iverson same with “40 Bars” he looked like he was going to be the first official sportsman to be a legitimate rap artist. He was a bit too real for the League.
Never heard this, but apparently this was Jewelz “song.”
Floyd Mayweather – “Yep”
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was regarded as the best pound for pound fighter, but that was boxing. Where does he weigh-in with rap.
Terrell “T.O.” Owens – “Untitled Silly Rap”
The football player named T.O. is highly regarded for his athleticism, but rap…no.
Chris Webber and Kurupt – “Gangsta, Gangsta”
Chris Webber is really Hoop-Hop! The super star is not only known for his ball game, but he rapped. Not only did he rap, but he is an accomplished producer that has worked with the likes of Nas. The rap didn’t work…but he’s still around.
BONUS RAP
When Shaq dissed Kobe in a bizarre freestyle rap, you just had to love it. He gave life to a new term that didn’t quite catch on, but remains iconic in pop culture.
Jay-Z Bringing ‘Roc Pop Shop’ To New York
Today (April 3), Jay-Z’s Rocawear’s mobile “Roc Pop Shop” store will return to New York City for a special four day engagement.
Developed by David Ashen of D-ASH design, the Roc Pop Shop is a 50-foot long trailer that expands to 1000 square feet when opened.
Doubling as a “mobile lounge,” Jay-Z envisioned the vehicle to represent his lifestyle experiences, and serve to keep the premium Rocawear line visible at Jay-Z concerts and events.
The retail store on wheels specializes in offering exclusive, limited edition products and Rocawear styles at “recession proof pricing.”
From April 3-6, the Roc Pop Shop will be located at Gansevoort Square, located next to Manhattan’s Gansevoort Hotel on 18 9th Ave.
On Monday April 6, the tour finishes in Jay’s native Brooklyn at Flatbush and 6th Avenue, located across from Atlantic Yard.
At press time, Jay-Z is continuing work on his much anticipated 11th studio album Blueprint 3, now tentatively set for release in September.
The Last Word: Kelly Rowland Claims Free Agent, Queen Latifah Talks Black Actors, and Rihanna’s Beaten Photo a Work of Art?
What’s cookin’, everybody? It’s the end of another week and
it couldn’t get here any quicker. With the Obamas hobnobbing with the Queen,
Michael Vick planning a post prison life as a construction worker, Dante
Stallworth facing DUI manslaughter charges for striking and killing a
pedestrian while driving drunk in Miami and an online leak of the upcoming X-Men
Origins: Wolverine a month before it hits
theatres, it’s been an interesting five days.
Congratulations to Taye Diggs and his wife, Idina Menzel,
who will welcome their first baby later this year. Shout out to Lee, who
celebrated his birthday in high style on Wednesday and the sounding boards for
knowing the difference between fact and crap.
So let’s take a minute to digest…the Last Word for the
week ending April 3, 2009.
1. Joss Stone’s Free Spirit Battles Desire for Boyfriend
As with most things in life, success is nothing without
someone to share it with. Despite having fans around the globe, a powerful
voice and a few hit songs and albums, Joss Stone is experiencing the good life
all by herself.
Don’t let the tabloids fool you. To hear Joss tell it, it’s
been awhile since she’s enjoyed the company of the opposite sex.
“I’ve had five different boyfriends this year in the press.
But I don’t have a boyfriend. I haven’t had a boyfriend for four years,” Stone
told Parade magazine as she admitted to
falling victim to the paparazzi with “a pal who is my partner in crime.” “A
real long time buddy. We were in my van – we weren’t snogging (kissing)
or anything. And of course the photos got splashed around.”
And while she confesses to wanting a boyfriend, Stone seems
revel in doing her for now. “It
would be nice. But not right now,” she said. “I haven’t got time for all that.
It’s better just being a free spirit.”
I’m all for finding love. There’s nothing better than having
someone who truly loves the good, bad and ugly of you. But when you’re a
singer, it seems the best material comes from being solo and on the hunt for
affection.
Maybe it’s me, but maybe Joss should do the relationship
thing and split over some petty drama. Just ask Taylor Swift or Mary J. Blige how
many accolades come in after pouring your heart into an album’s worth of love,
passion and heartache. Breakin’ up is hard to do, but damn if it don’t generate
a couple of dollars and awards here and there.
2. Terrence Howard Gets Personal With Colon Cancer
Awareness
Terrence Howard may have missed a big payday with the Iron
Man sequel, but the actor/musician is
putting his time and effort into something deeper as he helps bring the issue
of colon cancer to the forefront in the Black community. Howard recently spoke
on the condition at an event organized by the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
“It’s time we stop being afraid because we’re the ones
that’s dying from it,” said Howard, whose mother died last fall from colon
cancer. “This has been one of the worst years of my life and I could not call
my mother once and ask her, ‘Hey mommy, I’m having a hard time right now,’”
For African-Americans, colon cancer is a major killer. CBS
News reports African-American men are 44 percent more likely to die from colon
cancer than white men, and African-American women, 46 percent more likely to
die than white women. Early detection of the disease through a screening, or
colonoscopy, can help doctors remove polyps before they become deadly cancers,
thereby preventing colon cancer related deaths.
With his mother becoming a colon cancer victim, Howard is
determined to help prevent others from experiencing the same type of loss.
“The only way I can find any peace of mind is trying to stop
what killed my mother,” says the actor, who has joined forces with the
Entertainment Industry Foundation in a nationwide campaign to encourage people
to get screened.
3. Rihanna Photo Becomes a Work of Art?!
The infamous photo TMZ.com posted of a battered and bruised
Rihanna has been called many things. But a work of art may not be among those
descriptions.
Unless you ask Sham Ibrahim, an L.A.-based artist who
created a new Andy Warhol-like portrait of Rihanna that was based on the photo.
And while you would think that Ibrahim would cite an increased awareness of
domestic violence as the reason behind his latest creation, the artist admits
to having a different kind of motivation.
“I thought the bruises in the police photo were interesting
shapes to draw,” Ibrahim told E! “And it was cool to color them pink and blue.
Those are two of my favorite colors.”
Ibrahim’s 24-inch by 36-inch Rihanna picture, which was made
by transferring custom colorized blow-ups of digital tracings of the police
photo onto canvas, is currently on
display in the World of Wonder Storefront Gallery’s new group show, Name That ‘Toon.
Those looking to find something to absorb from the piece
shouldn’t waste their time, Ibrahim says.
“There is no message to any of my art,” the artist
explained. “It’s meant to look cool hanging on your wall and that’s it! I’m not
into deep meanings.”
Sometimes you just have to shake your head and wonder.
4. Queen Latifah Blasts Hollywood Over Acting Roles for
Black Actresses
As a rapper, Queen Latifah made her own lane in the all-boys
club of Hip-Hop. As a singer, she garnered new fans and more respect by going
in a whole nother musical direction. But despite finding success on the small
and big screen, Latifah’s had it up to here with Hollywood not working to
create strong roles for Black actresses.
So much so that the Oscar nominee made It clear how ticked
she is with Tinseltown’s lack of respect during a chat with the UK web site
ThisIsBristol.
“There aren’t enough roles and this invisibility is really
starting to annoy me,” said Latifah. “You would think that there are no Black
actresses in Hollywood when you look at some of the women’s magazines. Not that
I want the paparazzi following me everywhere, but sometimes in the magazines,
it seems that we don’t even exist.”
As a veteran of the entertainment game, Latifah has seen her
share of differences in how black actresses are treated in comparison to other
actors.
“I see actors who have barely made a movie getting so much
attention and publicity, whereas black actresses are completely ignored, which
in a way makes the world think that they can ignore us too,” she stated. “Some
barriers have been broken but people still have an antiquated kind of thinking
sometimes.”
Despite the current atmosphere, Latifah says she makes every
effort to incorporate a diverse workplace on her films.
“When I am a producer on a film or the star of a movie, I
make sure that the set is multi-cultural, I make sure they hire a multi
cultural, qualified crew, I don’t want to look up and see all white men in front
of me all day,” she said. “I don’t have anything against white men, but why
would I be in this position and not make sure that everyone has opportunities?”
So what say you, Wordians? Does the Queen have a point? In
my opinion, yes. After President Obama’s victory, we must do for ourselves.
It’s time for us to write parts for ourselves instead of depending on others to
write them for us. It’s also time for us to develop our own studios to tell our
own stories (I see you Tyler Perry). Much respect due to the Queen for her
accomplishments. But I want to hear from you. Are Black actresses given less to
work with than other entertainers?
5. Mr. T Resists the Playboy Lifestyle
You gotta hand it to Mr. T. No matter what he does or what
parts he plays, he always kept it real. Whether it was being the muscle behind
Hannibal’s A-Team or giving Balboa the
business before going down hard in the third Rocky movie, you always knew where the former pro wrestler
stood. Onscreen and off.
This is probably why you never heard about any scandalous
activities involving T, who never took it upon himself to be a regular on the
Hollywood party scene or constantly be in the spotlight. In fact, the actor
admits that he turned down more than 25 invites to get his mingle on at Hugh
Hefner’s Playboy mansion, never showing up once.
“I’m not caught up in all that Hollywood stuff. I work in
Hollywood, but I’m not a part of Hollywood,” Mr. T told The Daily Sport, adding that Hef has nothing to offer him. “There’s nothing Hugh Hefner can do for
me. If I went to the Playboy mansion, it would be a plus for Hugh Hefner, but a
minus for me.”
I ain’t mad at you T. I’m glad you’re staying true to you,
but for me. There’s a lot that Hef can do for me. Or rather the playmates. I’m
just sayin.’ I pity that fool.
In Other Words…
* Last week, I mentioned that Isaiah Washington was in
danger of being evicted from his home for falling behind on his rent. Although
he ended up moving out, it looks like another door has opened. According to The
Hollywood Reporter, Washington is attached
to play singer Lou Rawls in an upcoming biopic on the late entertainer. The
film’s script, which is written by the singer’s son, Lou Rawls Jr., offers an
“uncensored take” on the elder Rawls as it highlights his poverty-stricken
childhood, intense marital strife and success as a best selling artist.
* Kelly Rowland is officially a free agent. The Destiny’s
Child member has left her label Columbia Records as she opts to “explore new
directions, new challenges, and new freedoms outside my comfort zone” as a solo
artist. Rowland’s decision to part ways with Columbia comes two months after
she got rid of her longtime manager Mathew Knowles. According to Nielsen
Soundscan, Kelly’s last album, 2007’s Ms. Kelly, sold 219,000 copies in the United States. E! News reports that a
third album for Columbia is supposedly due out sometime this year.
* On a sad note, Wednesday (April 1) marked the 25th
anniversary of the death of Marvin Gaye, who would have turned 70 on Thursday
(April 2). EURWeb reports that the singer is being remembered with Marvin
Gaye: Then & Now, a 14-song digital
Motown/Ume album or rarities. Among the tracks on the project is “Soulie”
(pronounced “sue-lee”), a previously unreleased 1966 recording, two rare late
1950’s Chess songs with Harvey and The Moonglows (“Mama Loocie,” “Twelve Months
Of The Year”) and a string of Gaye’s earliest, pre-hit Motown singles (“Witchcraft,”
“Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide” and more).
Also on deck, is a vinyl-only edition of Gaye’s classic
debut album with Tammi Terrell, Untitled.
That album is slated to come out on April 14.
* Looks like there is life after acting for Jackie Chan as
the world awaits the entrance of another dragon into the music industry. The
famed action star is making a move into music as he gets set to perform with
various musicians at Descendants of the Dragon: Jackie Chan and Friends, a special concert that will take place at Beijing
National Stadium in Beijing. Although he doesn’t have much experience on the
mic, Chan is confident his song stylings will go over well with concertgoers.
“I only feel the pressure when I make films,” the
entertainer told WENN. “I believe the audiences will forgive me if I forget the
lyrics or I can’t keep the tempo.”
Let’s hope Jackie decides to enter the music successfully.
Otherwise, he may have to fall back on his drunken master experience to keep
the tempo.
Jamie Foxx Stalker Arrested
A man who allegedly stalked Oscar winning actor/singer Jamie Foxx is now in police custody.
The man, identified as 49-year-old Steven Taliver, was arrested Tuesday (March 31) and charged with burglary, making criminal threats, false imprisonment and harassment.
The arrest came nine days after Taliver tried to enter Foxx’s hotel room in Philadelphia, where the actor was filming his upcoming movie Law Abiding Citizen.
Taliver entered the AKA Hotel in Rittenhouse Square on March 22 and it was there that Taliver tricked Foxx into thinking he was a producer for singer Beyonce Knowles.
After realizing something was wrong and he didn’t know Taliver, Foxx proceeded to keep the man from entering his room as Taliver tried to force his way in.
The actor eventually overpowered Taliver and slammed the door in the intruder’s face. Taliver fled the scene afterwards.
Authorities caught Taliver after Foxx’ private security spotted him just a few blocks away from the hotel and called police.
Despite reports of the alleged incident taking place at the AKA, a spokeswoman for the hotel said she had no record of a guest with the name Jamie Foxx staying at the hotel.
E! News reports that police in Philadelphia confirmed that a trespassing incident did occur March 22 at the AKA Hotel, but would not reveal whether Foxx was the victim of an attempted burglary.
“There was an arrest,” a police spokesman said. “There was an incident. Someone was in an area they weren’t supposed to be…inside the hotel.”
The March 22 incident isn’t the first time Taliver has tried to see Foxx. Sources told Philadelphia’s CBS 3 that Taliver tied to break into Foxx’ room three times last month on March 22, 27 and 31.
Taliver, who lists a homeless shelter as his address, is scheduled to appear in court in June to answer for a receiving stolen property charge related to a 2006 car theft.
A representative for Foxx refused to comment when asked about the incident.
Lil Wayne Sues QD3 Over Documentary; Drama Over Mixtapes In Lawsuits
Lil’ Wayne and his Young Money Entertainment imprint, through which Wayne is singed to Cash Money and Universal Records, have filed a multi-level civil suit against QD3 Entertainment and its affiliate Digerati Holdings, LLC in connection with the critically acclaimed 2009 documentary The Carter.
In an elaborate and at times flowery suit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court on March 23, attorneys levied charges including Breach of Contract, Fraud by Intentional Misrepresentation, Constructive Fraud and Invasion of Privacy against both companies, as well as Quincy Jones III, who is behind both corporations, and up to 50 unnamed co-defendants.
The charges stem from the presentation of The Carter at this year’s Sundance Film Festival in January, and Digerati Holdings’ plans to seek a theatrical release for the revealing documentary.
Shot over the course of several months, The Carter brings viewers into the controversial rappers life through concert and studio footage, interviews and behind-the-scenes access rarely available to the multiplatinum seller’s fans.
The suit explains that in 2007, Wayne was approached about the documentary, which QD3 and Digerati stated would offer an “in-depth look at the artist Dwayne ‘Lil Wayne’ Carter, Jr., proclaimed by many as the ‘greatest rapper’.”
By December of that year, Wayne and his company signed an agreement with Digerati which stipulated that Weezy would make himself available for the ninety-minute documentary and make photos and videos from his personal archives available to the producers.
In exchange he was to be allowed to review “various scenes of the Picture and have approval rights as to the final cut of the picture.”
The agreement went on to say, specifically, that Wayne would be given the “sole right of final approval” of any scenes that portrayed his actions or activities as criminal in nature.
In early December 2008 and during the first week of January, copies of the documentary were submitted to Lil’ Wayne’s manager, who rejected the footage, asking that certain questionable content, which management felt painted the artist in a negative light, be removed from the film.
Wayne’s manager also went on to demand, in writing, that the film would not be showcased at Sundance, unless the scenes in question were removed.
The film debuted to great fanfare at the 2009 Sundance Festival, were it was screened January 17, 19, 21 and 23, despite requests submitted by Wayne’s camp on January 21 to have the film pulled.
In addition to breaking their express agreement with Lil’ Wayne, his attorney submit that QD3 Entertainment and Digerati films deliberately defrauded the Grammy Award winner, as it had always been their desire to make a film that would paint Wayne in a negative light.
Wayne and Young Money Entertainment are seeking an injunction preventing the further distribution of The Carter, which they believe would cause irreparable damage to Wayne’s reputation and career.
In related news, Cash Money Records has filed a lawsuit against DJ Drama, The Aphilliates Music Group, distribution outlet BCD Music Group and others over damages incurred as a result of the creation and distribution of various Lil’ Wayne mixtapes.
The legal action surfaced on Thursday (Apr 2) when co-defendant Frank Nino released a YouTube video venting his anger at being included in the lawsuit.
While details of the suit remain sketchy at press time, the suit seems to relate to five specific mixtape releases: Happy Father’s Day, featuring music by Lil’ Wayne and Baby; Frank Nino’s When the North and South Collide; and the three volumes of DJ Drama’s Dedication Series.
Hip-Hop Rumors:UK Rapper Beaten! The KKK Doctor! Rumors!
DISCLAIMER:
All
content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual
info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.DETOX IS ON HOLD!
OK, I was talking to somebody on twitter and they asked me about Dr. Dre’s Detox. At the time, I told the person that I was hopeful that the album would happen, but not optimistic. Now, I am even less optimistic based on a new rumor. I am getting word from a very reliable source that Detox is officially ON HOLD. That’s right fans. ON HOLD. I have to say that, with all due respect to Eminem and 50 Cent, I really want to hear what Dr. Dre has to offer the game these days. OH WELL. You can pretty much put your hope on the shelf as far as this is concerned.
MORE SINISTER RUMORS ON DETOX
So check it. We have all heard the recent tracks from T.I. Nas and a few others for the Detox album, right? Well it turns out that the Detox album was again leaked! This is why we keep hearing these damn reference tracks! What I am hearing is some DJ from overseas and somehow got into Dre’s email and stole the tracks and possibly the full album. I heard the powers that be are looking for dude to figure our what he knows and how much of the CD he may have. Well this mess has totaly messed up the possibility of this album coming out this year, I heard!
THE JAMIE FOXX MORE HAD TRUTH TO IT!
You know, the rumors are funny. There is almost always some truth to it, but I had to hold off on that one. Jamie Foxx was in his hotel room in Philadelphia when someone knocked on his door claiming to be Beyonces manager. When Foxx opened the door he noticed it was not the manager of Beyonce rather a 49-year-old stalker. The man immediately shoved Jamie into the hotel room but after he fought back the imposter got scared and ran away. Well this happed March 22nd and now 9 days later Jamies security detail spotted the man and called the police. He was arrested for burglary, criminal threats, stalking, false imprisonment and harassment.
HURRICANE CHRIS’ NEW SONG
– NOT JACKED!
I think this is pretty clear. But, the new song by Hurricane Chris wasn’t always his. Apparently, this song started out as record by Superstar. I am not sure of all the deal, but the song is very old and Hurricane Chris appeared on a remix with Tum Tum. I guess Superstar took it as far as it could go and he passed it off to Chris, who seems to be taking it to the next level. But, all is cool. Superstar isn’t beefing or anything. They’re working together.
UK RUMORS – BASHY GETS BEAT UP
I never heard of this dude Bashy, I have now. This dude is an artist or whatever, but right now he is known for getting beat up. Now, I am here to make a plea to Bashy not to do anything stupid. From what I understand, the people that assaulted him are not safe from his wrath. And Bashy is looking to bash some people over it. Hopefully his Facebook rants don’t come true.
DUDE DISSES DIDDY!
Check out the 10 Twitter Commandments. “If you follow Diddy, you’re a w#####.” Loves it.
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
Do me a favor, check out my dudes at www.isis360radio.com (Bang Radio 8-10pm)
The Hotelicopter was an internet prank. I guess it was one of those stupid April Fool’s joke. If you have time do do all that, you have too much time.
Rick Ross put that out diss after T.I dropped “Rubber Band Man.” In that song TIP said something in the range of “In the MIA and Im tryna keep it professional, but all this tongue wrestling gonna have me snappin I’m tellin ya”. Ross apparently didn’t like that.
There is a rumor that somebody is posing at the manager of Foxy Brown. The only thing is 1) he’s not and 2) he’s getting people for money!
Who’s dating/smashing Nicki Minaj? I think she should be mine.
I knew BeBe Winans was a good dude! The judge handling the assault case against him has stated that his ex-wife Debra Winans was “not to be a credible witness.”
Coolio is giving speeches to lessen the penalty for getting caught with crack. SMH.
SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END
This one is crazy and they are coming for your a$$ dude. The L.A. City Council, USC and others have combined to put together a reward for the person that hit and killed a USC student and seriously wounded another. The person ran a red light on Sunday morning and struck them as they crossed the street. The person that hit her, just kept it moving. Now, this is where it gets sick. The person that hit Adrianna Bachan, 18, and Marcus Garfinkle, 19, took the time to stop the car, removed Marcus from the hood of the car and KEPT ON GOING. About four or five people witnessed the slaying of Adrianna, but nobody managed to get the plate number. They are going to get this dude.
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY
I twittered about this yesterday and a few people thought I was full of crap. But the fact is, I have to give Afghanistan the big FAIL of the day. In that land, it is legal for a man to rape a woman under certain circumstances. IF the man and the woman are married, the man has the legal right to rape his woman. The legal rape says that the wife “is bound to preen for her husband as and when he desires.” The controversial law has drawn the ire of Hillary Clinton and others that seek to repeal the law. Afghan President Hamid Karzai is coming under pressure to scrap the new law. Good luck!
DR. KKK?
NO WAY!
If I was at the Dr’s office, I would jump on dude’s neck and start wailing!
“This is how people start getting murked off..”
DJ QUIK GIVES THE HARD TRUTH
My girl Devi Dev caught up with the legendary DJ Quik to talk about his new album with Kurupt and about how he feels about the new rappers coming out of the West Coast!
In this part talk Quik talks about the infamous Detox album. Dr Dre, West Coast Rappers and Commercial Radio. He’s got some interesting things to say about what Dre should do!
CAPTION THIS: TOMMY DAVIDSON
(Source: theybf.com)
CAPTION THIS!!!! JAY-Z AND THE DUDE FROM SCRUBS!
——————–THE DAILY TWO SENSE
Ahhhh…April Fool’s Day is always a stupid day for me. The day after is always me filtering through a bunch of fake rumors. Diddy got married! Rick Ross got shot! Jamie Fox was arrested for stalking Beyonced! All crap! Now, somebody claims that last one is real and they have documents to prove it. We’ll see. Anyway…today’s rumors are just a bunch of random stuff.
LIL WAYNE SUES MIXTAPE DJ’S?
I’m not even going to explain. Just watch the video!
LIL WAYNE WILDS OUT AT HORNETS GAME!
SIGH…LIL WAYNE KISSING YOUNG MONEY ARTIST
Hey Hey Hey! Lil Wayne is like taking over the rumors today, If you want to call these rumors. Him kissing his artist Shanelle is all apart of the stage act, I guess. At least that’s what Marisa tells me.
SPEAKING OF…BABY DONE LOST HIS MIND!
Baby of Cash Money went and told exactly how he felt about his young gun Lil Wayne in the new issue of VIBE magazine.
“He can rap, he can sing, he’s just an artist,” he says. “I don’t think no one will ever be greater [than Wayne] because I don’t think no one puts in the time or the quality. If someone do come along, can you imagine what he’ll have to do? He got to put out on thousand mixtapes, do a thousand records [and] sell 100 million records. 2Pac, Jay-Z and Biggie didn’t get to the s### Wayne’s done.”
What do you think?
BUSTA RHYMES DISSES THE COMPUTER!!
Busta is a smart dude. He’s making a lot of sense right here.
NEW TUPAC CD?
Do the youth care about Pac like that? That’s more of the 90s crew. I am interested in that, because a new Makavelli CD is a great rumor. Check out what I heard:
Whats up Ill seed, I trying to put this in the streets as a wisper, But it’s defiantely going down the don Makaveli has a new album pushing for 4th quarter 09 It will be a double album, Some music for the lp, is already made certain songs that was left off Pac’s life, will make the project. But also new unreleased and unleak songs as well, And I can tell you this the late johnny J has a couple tracks that they are going to use for the lp, Songs like Wherever u are (Sho Shot) Featuring Big Daddy Kane and others. qd3 will be working on the lp, The outlawz will appear on the lp, with a beat from Edi, D.j. quik, and also Daz is the old list of producers he worked with with tracks thats untouched and some remixed. Also there will be new producers as well no officail list yet but I can tell you that there are several producers who are producing the same tracks and old producers and new ones and which ever one that the label goes with will make it. I can give u a list of songs and I will tell you that Snoop dogg will appear on 2 tracks for the lp, and a track with R.kelly as well. Here are several songs that has been sent to different producers to work on the album:
4 my n#####- outlawz, Just watching- Snoop Dogg, dogpound, Street life -Snoop Dogg Where ever u are Produced by Johnny J featuring Big Daddy Kane, Reincarnation-Outlawz, Thug N####, Tongue Kissin, Hard 2 kill, My baby momma, Fade me, 4 the Ghetto’s, Sarah Smiles, Komardez , Watch ya mouth, Til I c L.A., Are half of the tracks that have been sent Again slated for a 4th quarter relaese and slated to be a double album… More info later
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
Does anybody work harder than Crooked I in Hip-Hop? MAYBE Lil Wayne!
Hurricane Chris hasn’t disappeared. He’s just promoting his new single to radio. That’s cool! Having Halle Berry dance to your song is ILL.
R&B Songstress Keri Hilson released her debut album, “In A Perfect World…” last week. Keri Hilson had a phenomenal debut on Soundscan charts selling 94, 497 copies.
Keri Hilson’s album moved about 95k this week, but they are saying her label only shipped 120k. If you wanted it, you couldn’t get it.
Jim Jones sold about 46,000. That Dipset reunion is looking much better right now.
The FBI is investigating that leak of Wolverine.
Scott Storch is reportedly doing much better now that he has gone through some rehab.
The cop that stopped that football player from seeing his dying mother-in-law has resigned. Good for him. CHUMP!
LORD TARIQ TALKS ABOUT SHOWING UP IN RICK ROSS’ VID
Looks like somebody got at LT, because he’s doing a lot of explaining. LOL. For those that don’t know, Rick Ross came to the Bronx and did a video. Lord Tariq is a member of Bang Bang Boogie, a hardcore street group. Rumor has it, LT got some heat for being in the video with Rick Ross. Hmmmmmm…check the vid!
THE ILLEST HELICOPTER EVER!
Have you ever heard of a Hotelicopter? Oh yea…a hotel and helicopter in one!
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY
This boy…Alfie. He’s off the hook and, yet a fail lingers over his head anyway. Alfie Patten is the 13-year-old boy who sexed a girl that was 15 (and he was 12) and she got pregnant. Well, Alfie fell all in love and was 100% committed to being a father to the kid. As soon as his story came out, about six other boys came out and said they had sex with his girl Chantelle Stedman. Now, this poor girl is basically labeled as a garden tool. SMH. Anyway, DNA tests have proven that Alfie isn’t the father of the kid. The boy is only 4-foot tall! SMH.
EPIC WIN OF THE DAY!
This dude Charlie Sloth quietly recorded the best song ever and I just discovered it.
SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END
There is a bar out in the UK. Well, this pub is a real hot spot…a bit too hot. The place has a problem with cocaine. Apparently, people are in the pub’s bathroom sniffing coke on the toilet seats. Well, I heard the pub got creative, because they wanted to deter people from doing coke. They put WD40 on the cover of the seats. That product is something of a lubricant for rusty hinges and a bunch of other stuff…its NOT for sniffing! Well, some dude decided to sniff away and…HE GOT BRAIN DAMAGE! Guess what he decided to do? He sues the pub! I don’t know what he’s gonna say. “I was sniffing illegal coke and accidentally got some legal WD40.” This is close to being a FAIL.
RICK ROSS DISSING T.I.
I don’t know, but people keep wanting me to post this diss. This is about two years old, but T.I. really got the business from Ross at the time. I wonder what set him off at the time? Check it out.
SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING!Email me at allhiphoprumors@gmail.com …tips, information and other stupid stuff.
For more, go to illseed.com. Or just follow me at http://twitter.com/illseed
DILLA, WE LOVE YOU!!!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!
-illseed
WHAT: Rumors
WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed
HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at allhiphoprumors@gmail.com.